change
Sometimes everything changes…or at least it feels like everything changes. Then sometimes in spite of so much changing, nothing really feels that different after all.
When my identity, calling and purpose are rooted more deeply than a particular role, title or place, then my context can change without uprooting the core of who I am.
But if my identity, calling and purpose are rooted or entangled in the comparatively shallow soil of a particular role, title or place and those shift at all, I’ll surely be shaken.
Not that long ago, my life changed pretty dramatically. But honestly, it really doesn’t seem like much has changed. Even though “everything” changed, “nothing” changed.
After 16 years of being a youth leader at my current church, I knew the Lord was calling me to step away. You see, I pretty much grew up in youth ministry. I was in youth ministry longer than I was a youth! Growing up, my parents were youth leaders and I was along for all it. I even had my fifth birthday on a youth group ski trip complete with a cake with skiing clowns falling all over it. I carried an acid wash blue jean purse with a big can of hairspray in it (which I NEVER used), because that’s what all the cool 80s teenager girls I hung out with did. When I was in high school, I was a middle school youth group leader. I worked at camps for part of eight summers. And then I served at my current church. In all of these seasons, I was highly and intentionally invested. I loved, and still love, youth ministry. And I’m still a part of my church. And the youth ministry there has never been more healthy. The Lord was just calling me away to focus on things He has particularly called me to do.
Even though it was painful and there was (and still is) some grieving, stepping out in obedience to the Lord is always the most healthy thing to do. It’s healthy for me and it’s healthy for everyone around me. Because God doesn’t lead His children in a way that is good for one and bad for another.
Even though such a huge part of my life is in large part gone, it doesn’t feel all that different. In matters of calling and identity and purpose, I’m more sure than ever. I’m still discipling and mentoring girls. I’m still meeting with people. I’m still walking in community and fellowship. Ultimately I’m still championing life, joy, comfort, truth and freedom in Christ for myself and others.
In this season, I feel like all bets are off in terms of the context or form the Lord’s calling is going to take in my life… and really in many of our lives. But I’m excited. Because I know that when everything around me changes, He remains the same. And my life is hidden in His and He lives within me, so I can be unwavering. Rooted and grounded, not in a particular context, but in Him.
Let’s cling to the unchanging One so we fear change less. And even become excited at the shifting of seasons! Together, let’s smile at the future.