You know things don't always go the way that you want them to.
This past weekend we had our annual Sectional Fine Arts Competition in Uniontown, PA. Our students did a great job all day as we ran from event to event trying to see all of them minister. I was so very proud of each one as they did their best for the Kingdom of God.
There were a few events (as always) that I really felt strongly that our students should have moved on to the district level in. I have to confess that as a youth pastor I tend to get upset when judges do not see it the way that I do! I have to look back and laugh at myself as I get worked up reading evaluations that just plain don't make sense to me. I try hard not to let my displeasure ruin the day for the students that these evaluations effect. It can be difficult though, I am HUMAN!! I want the very best for these kids and I want them to be encouraged as many of them are blessed with talents that are unbelievable.
This past week I found myself sick as can be. I woke up Wednesday morning so sick I had to go to the doctor's office. (I never go to the doctor!) I have not been to the doctor for sickness since I was a kid! I went and found out that I had an intestinal virus and was extremely dehydrated (go figure)!! I was given 2 liters of IV fluids and sent home to rest. I even missed youth group for the first time since I have been in ministry!! It was very difficult to lay at home and place everything in trusted hands to do the job! (thanks Tim, Katie, and Andrea) It is good (necessary at times) to have trusted people in our lives that can step in at a moment's notice and stand in the gap for us!! What a blessing, even though at the time it felt like a curse!! All I ate on Wednesday was a little bit of Grammy's mashed potatoes... without the gravy I didn't need gravy at that point in my life!!! What a lesson I was given through this.
Often we find ourselves dependent on only what God has given to us. We must learn through life. We cannot give up on something because a "judge" does not like our style or our song. It's our song that He has given us... we must keep singing it for Him and for no one else!! If others desire to lend an ear and be blessed by it than so be it!! Don't let someone steal from you the gift that He has so graciously given to you! Sing, preach, write, teach, live the way He has shown you! Allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide, sometimes people miss out on the message because of their own humanity. Don't let that discourage you. Peter walked on water toward Christ until his humanity stepped in between and he started to sink. What did Jesus do? He reached out and lifted him up from the wave that he could have drowned in!
Be lifted up today!!
Blessings,
Pastor Carl
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