Reflecting on the Summer of '22

Summer officially ended. God's faithfulness never does.

One of the reasons I enjoy writing is because I can read it later. I don't want to forget the Summer of '22, so here's a story about God's faithfulness.

I've been the Student Pastor at Cross Lanes Baptist Church for 4 months now. And I'm loving it. There's something special about shepherding students.

I reflect on several things. But here are a few of them (in no particular order).

First, I reflect on a couple of adventures.

In late June, we took a group to Wilson, NC, for Student Life Camp. Then and there, I learned the difficulty of coming to camp without a drawstring bag and extra clothes.

In August, we took a group to ACE Adventures in Oak Hill, WV. Then and there, I learned to never wear leather sandals on a beach or get into a lake with a wedding band.

I should've known those things to begin with. Or, maybe there are some things only student ministry can teach a person. Probably both.

Second, I reflect on the blessing of getting to teach God's Word regularly.

I'm finishing a 13-week series through 1 John this Wednesday night. And a couple of Sundays ago, I preached a message called "Filled With the Fullness of His Grace" from John 1:14-18 to our church family.

This month marks 6 years since I preached for the first time. To be preparing messages and sharing them on a week-by-week basis is something I've always wanted to do. God is faithful. His Word is true.

Third, I reflect on how God has provided for me and my family.

That's not something I take for granted. I'm so thankful we're joyfully serving God in this season and enjoying the fellowship of our church family.

In other news, Dayton is crawling all over the house. The Interstate feels like any other road. About 5 restaurants aren't nearly as special as they once were.

And those are some of my reflections on the Summer of '22.

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).