Two years ago we pulled into Lincoln hurting, hopeful, and running. Part of us was running to what Jesus was inviting us into next. Part of us was running away from pain, disappointment, unhealthiness, and uncertainty. Two years ago, we had no clear vision as to what God would do in our lives, but we were hopeful that we would find a season of rest, healing, and refueling. We had no idea what our life would look like and I’m glad we didn’t because I would have been reluctant to say yes to it.
The ministry we get to lead was going through a transitional period that was more involved than I knew and we have had the gift of loving it during the teenage searching for identity years. The Lincoln community is a great midwestern community and has provided challenges to connecting with people. Our family has continued to work through the difficulty of healing from disappointment, loss, and interruption of purpose. There are many days where we have wandered why life can’t be easier, why it doesn’t feel like things are fair, would it be easier to be a manager at Cane’s and just do what we want to do for the rest of our lives, because we have done our job.
And then God reminds us of who He is and who He made us to be. This past year has been both difficult and beautiful. We had an incredible camp experience where students experienced Jesus and many made significant steps toward Him. We saw students beginning to engage community. We have seen God lead a random group of people together to be a part of an incredible student ministry team. Zach has grown 6 inches this last year and somewhere along the way has found confidence and identity. Hailey has graduated high school, started college, and is leading worship and 8th grade girls. Hannah is entering her junior year at UNL, is double majoring, and is living a life of loving people of all ages. Kris is finding strength in community, generosity, and working at some new opportunities.
We are constantly reminded that God did not create us so that the world could be about us and our comfort. We have been encouraged that God has invited us into a life of following Him without the guarantee of ease or comfort. We are reminded that we are most alive when we are pursuing Jesus and following what He invites us into. We are looking forward to year 3 of the new chapter of our lives because we know Jesus fuller, we have learned to trust Him more, and are anticipating what He will invite us into next. This is going to be great!