Thirty-nine Years ago
/Thirty-nine Years ago
Thirty-nine year years ago this month, I began in ministry. On the anniversary of this event, I decided to write what I learned. I wrote these lessons to help me process, reflect, and remember the goodness of God over these years.
Fifty Lessons:
1. I chose not to see the scars, just the grace applied.
2. I decided not to feel the bruises, just the mercy received.
3. I chose not to remember pains, just the healing.
4. I stood by gravesides and knew God’s comfort.
5. I sat with the dying and knew hopeful sorrow.
6. I sat with the grieving and saw their grace in grief.
7. I am blessed to have friends and receive their forgiveness.
8. I am blessed to have walked the most challenging paths but was never alone.
9. I am blessed to know a real friend.
10. I learned that an enemy’s view of me is not God’s.
11. I learned those who made themselves enemies can become teachers, helpers, and friends.
12. I received mercy when I erred with friends.
13. I received grace for my faults and failures from friends.
14. I have seen betrayal and loyalty from the same person.
15. I learned hurt can become hope.
16. I learned disappointment can become a classroom.
17. I learned that the truth from the inner circle is better than flattery from any source.
18. I have known love because of my wife.
19. I held life’s greatest joy, the birth of a child.
20. I learned God enlarged my heart when I met our daughter-in-law.
21. I shed unfamiliar tears upon the news of a granddaughter joining our family.
22. I learned life’s greatest treasures are the relationships made.
23. I learned the greatest gift you can give your spouse, family, ministry, and supporters is being mentally and emotionally healthy and self-aware.
24. I learned prayer is the best response.
25. I learned it is best to believe in others.
26. I found forgiveness is better.
27. I found life is too precious to spend time pouting.
28. I learned with uncertainty to do the next right thing.
29. I discovered a child’s smile is life-giving.
30. I learned failures are not final.
31. I learned forgiveness is a choice.
32. I learned I do not need a man’s approval.
33. I learned holding the same doctrinal position is more straightforward than changing positions.
34. I learned a friend stays.
35. I learned that when God pauses my plans, He works out His plan.
36. I learned believing in people inspires them.
37. I learned responding in kind is different from responding with kindness.
38. I learned the cruelest and kindest words can come from the same people, including me.
39. I learned childhood wounds do not have to hinder you; they can help you.
40. I learned I choose when I can get over whatever hurt me.
41. I found remembering the delights of the Lord is better than remembering life’s disappointments.
42. I learned the hope of watching God work tomorrow is better than today’s frustration.
43. I learned discouragement is a luxury I cannot afford.
44. I know God is faithful.
45. I know God gives emotions.
46. I know God can.
47. I know God uses afflictions.
48. I know God’s word is true.
49. I know to everything, there is a season.
50. I know applying grace is easier than holding a grudge
Does one of these lessons resonate with you? What lessons have you learned that you want to share with me? Share yours in the comments, I would love to read them.