february update

To say this communication is overdue would be the understatement of the year, and I don't just mean the 'new' year. As I sit down to assemble some thoughts on paper that are worth your time, I am overcome with a mixture of emotions ranging from elation (that I'm here) to confusion (where in the world do I begin) to peace (sensing God's presence) to guilt (that I haven't written this letter before now). Huh…I just realized as I typed that last sentence how loaded it is with hidden meaning. Eight months ago (yeah, it's been that long) before arriving in the Chicago suburbs and embarking on a spiritual journey like none I could have ever imagined, I may not have even been attentive to such emotions, and if I was aware I probably would not have known how to verbalize them. The 'journey' is real and I have no doubt I'm traveling the right path.

If I were to simply convey my thoughts with clarity and record the steps of my journey over the next two and a half years with accuracy and shared them with you regularly, it might make for semi-interesting reading or, if I'm lucky, it might be somewhat endearing. But if I fail to invite you along the 'journey' as well, I'm afraid my words will have been in vain. I pray that all who read this may be equally comforted and challenged in their pursuit of God and the realization of who they really are in Jesus Christ.

For those who haven't heard me talk about it, the heart of the internship/master's program is the intentionality of the personal spiritual journey, what we often refer to as the 'transformational' journey. Theological education and practical ministry experience are significantly important, but not near as important as the work that takes place in the heart. We are called to identify areas of brokenness, wounded-ness and suffering in our own lives, own them, embrace them, and make them our point of reference for serving others. Whether you’re a pastor/minister or not, we are not to put on as though we have it all together and everything is fine in our lives…if we do, we're living a lie. If I ever expect to be an effective spiritual leader, then I must first travel the course. I've heard it said, "you can't give somebody what you ain't got, no more that you can come back from where you’ve never been," so I can't authentically offer people salvation, hope, healing, redemption and restoration unless I've experienced it and I don't think I can lead people on a journey I haven't been on myself. In the words of an author we've read…"we heal from our wounds."

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."
2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I'm not trying to say I'm in the midst of trouble and suffering, but it is from this posture of vulnerability that I hope to share with you in the coming year not only my "sufferings," but also the "comfort" I have received from God. I pray you'll be encouraged to do the same with those around you.

A final word of gratitude

Many of you have been incredibly generous with your finances, prayer, and encouragement, and I will always be grateful for what you've given me. Part of my gratitude is due to the joy with which many of you have given. The outpouring of love I've felt expressed in various ways has been a tremendous blessing to me and pray that I can extend a mutual blessing to you in return.