rewind

This past year has been such a whirlwind. In all honesty I feel as if I have aged an additional five years over this last one.

Do you remember "It's a Wonderful Life?" Y'know where George Bailey has the opportunity to see what life would be like if he hadn't ever lived? I watched a modern equivalent to that movie over the weekend. In "Click," Adam Sandler's character has the opportunity to see what life would be like if he had a universal remote... that actually serves as a remote for his universe. As he plays with the controls of his life he eventually realizes the cost of skewed priorities and the value of the simple (even the painful) things in life.

This past year and, in particular, the first couple of months of ministry involvement have been trying in ways I hadn't genuinely imagined. I entered into the interim lead pastorate of Crosswinds with an "I'll prove you wrong" attitude that reeked of youthful arrogance. (If only I had realized it then...) The time was tough, but undeniably valuable in my development as a leader and as a man of God. I simply would not change the outcomes of the whole experience. I would probably desire to change some of the situations I have faced, but isn't it only human to wish we had handled ourselves better during those difficult circumstances? Just like George Bailey or the variety of other movie characters that have been given the opportunity to turn back time and make changes, we all long to have "that moment" back or wish we could have said "that one thing" differently. If we were to have the opportunity to change our reactions and behaviors in those tough spots in life, the outcome of that particular season of life would change. And likely, there would be lesser true growth and simply another variety of situations we wish we could change.

Life is what it is... a blessedly divine experience. Sure, it's difficult. Sure, it can be painful. But it also overflows with simple and magnificent delights. There is much pleasure, much joy, and much love. Even though life has it's tough patches can anyone deny that it truly is a wonderful life?



p.s.
Through the trials of the past year (plus) I have found myself in the midst of the peculiar plan of God as He has brought me to the point of candidating for the permanent lead position with Crosswinds. How strange- a year ago I was an intern planning my return trip to Wisconsin. Now I'm pressing into the mind and heart of God in order to discover the great plans he has for this small church with a huge heart in Missouri. One never knows what wonders God will bring across his path!