Well, I'm sitting on a hotel bed in Billings, Montana after about 700 miles and over 16 hours of driving. It's definitely too late to turn back now, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to. Side note: Montana's beautiful. I'll arrive at Mount Rushmore tomorrow, begin unpacking, meet my staff, meet my ministry support committee and meet my coworkers. If I can be perfectly honest (and I think I can), about a week ago I was getting very nervous for this. However, so much has happened in this last week (finals, wrapping up being a PA at SPU, breaking a toe, not handling the pain medication well, moving home, repacking and leaving home after a 16 hour visit) that I'm just drained. Well, I was drained. About 48 hours ago I was physically and mentally exhausted from everything that had been wrapping up in my life that the prospect of beginning this journey really scared me.
As I began driving home and I got into the Cascade Mountains I was reminded of the power of my creator. This odd sense of peace swept over me. Even as I lamented the loss of my floor of 37 outrageous and wonderful guys, who are pretty much my own children, I could feel myself being refilled. I've come to appreciate these times when I feel like I have no control, where I'm totally subject to God's will. My faith is being tested. I'm being drawn to a strange land (seriously, it's South Dakota!), I don't know anyone out there yet there are many unknowns about what my experience will look like until it happens. I have no choice but to be completely reliant on God for my strength, calm and direction. I strongly recommend putting yourself in one of these situations when you have the chance. There are so many unknowns but I feel so calm because I've rarely felt closer to God. This isn't about me and my experience, it's about how God's going to use me this me Summer, and I can't wait. I honestly don't even care if anyone reads this now, because I just processed that and realized it for myself. If you do read this, I promise other posts will be more coherent and substantial. I just wanted to get one out before I got there. This weekend I'll be preaching, so look for a post with my sermon in it next week.
Love,
Bubba
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Hey Everyone! I created this to keep friends and family updated on my experiences as a ministry staff leader at Mount Rushmore for A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP). I am working with a team of three other college students from around the country to organize and lead Sunday worship services in the amphitheater right under the presidents. I'll try to update it fairly regularly, and posts different sermons as I write them for our services.
Okay, I am ready to hear all about your adventure. I have been watching the travel portion of Facebook with your mom. That is a lot of driving! Good luck, have fun!
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Love ya Bubba! We are praying for you. Tom and Margie
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Bubba! Proud of you. You have grown up to be a man of faith!
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