Thirty-nine Years ago

Thirty-nine year years ago this month in 2023, 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.