I know its early – like 64 days or so early – for a year in review blog, but being sick and on energy-depleted status for the last few days has opened up my schedule, and amidst being caught up with all events in the world of sports (thank you SportsCenter, PTI, and Around the Horn), and watching several movies I had been meaning to get around to (Across the Universe – AMAZING, Adventureland – not bad, funny in parts), I have some personal reflections to share.
I have moved from being content to be a gap-minder to being burdened and called to be a gap-mender. In 2009, I believe this shift has happened in my life. It actually began in late 2008 as I was reading Numbers and Deuteronomy. This reading led to the series, The Joshua Generation, at Crash in January and February and my Fear or Hope sermon at North Phoenix’s main service in August. I have become unsatisfied and discontent with the idea of just finding, exploring and making a lot of noise about gaps that I discover – calling others to “mind” them with me. I have become burdened to become a gap-mender. Asking God the question, “Now that I know this, what is it that you want me to do?”
This year has been a time of growth for me. I believe I have become more teachable, more humble, more accessible. I have surprised myself with the people I have extended grace and openness too. Now, I could also give you the list of the areas where I haven’t made enough progress – both personally and professionally (boundaries, empowering other leaders, being vulnerable and transparent, clarity of vision and direction for the future).
But I look back at this year – a year of TRANSITION (graduating, getting ordained, celebrating my first anniversary with Dani) – and I am just grateful.
I want my life to be a compelling story for those watching. I pray that I am a likeable character who sacrifices for others. I pray that I am engaging the conflict that God has called me into and that I am not turning away from its challenges. Even if the resolution(s) don’t come as quickly as I would like, I pray that God transforms me in the process and that I have legendary tales to share and great adventures ahead of me.
There are more reflections to come, but this is one that I needed to own – publicly – so thanks for reading.
-Scott
