Another obstical out of the way!

I started college 12 years ago when I graduated from Fairview High School with the hopes and dreams that every high school graduate does that chooses to attend college. I then found that life was full of so much more that I ever anticipated as I sowed my wild oats and have some nights that I want to forget and some that I am glad I can not remember. I felt my calling to be a youth minister during the Fall of 1997 and while I have done my best there is no denying what God has had planned for me all along.

In the past 12 years I flunked out of college, went back to college, met the girl of my dreams, left college again, entered the work force, started a family, accepted a call to full time ministry (again), moved back to the community that I could not wait to leave out of high school, and now back to college.

I always said that one day I would finish college and go obtain a masters but it all seemed like a far fetched dream. I was too busy working and doing big kid stuff with my family that there wasn't any time. Now here I sit 1/3 of the way done after graduating with my Associates Degree from NOC a couple of weeks ago. Another one of life's obstacles out of the way!

Life is full of obstacles! God has placed on this earth and we have a journey in front of us that we must choose which direction we go. I have come across many Y's in the road that have formed who I am! Sometimes I have chosen the path that was best for me but there have been times that I have taken the wrong path. Now I say wrong path and while I could have taken a different path that would have inflicted less pain on myself and others! Those wrong paths have taught me lessons that have been invaluable in my career as a youth minister. They have formed me into who I am.

As I receive announcement after announcement and attend graduations I think about the students and all their excitement and know that they are ready to move one. Mixed emotions of joy, sadness, happiness, pride and on and on are taking place as they start this next journey in life. Another obstacle out of the way!

Graduation brings back many memories. Not just from my own or of those that are graduating but I get to see many former youth, some who I talk to often or occasionally and some who I don't ever see or talk to any more. These young adults are facing many of those Y's in the roads and hitting speed bumps as they have moved one. Some have completed another year of college, graduating college, or perhaps just completing their first year. Finishing that first is the toughest. I flunked out my first and became a statistic because I made the wrong choice. Some of them are in the same boat. For those that made it through with passing grades and are going back to achieve some more, congrats again! College opens your eyes to lots of new things and everything you once knew has changed. Another obstacle out of the way!

Congrats to all of the graduating seniors this year! Continue on, and be wise in the choices you make, some choices can land you without a degree and a life seemingly with no where to go! Keep your head up, I am making it and so can you it will be tough but it can be done.

For those who will be going back and have the determination to finish! Way to go! You are putting yourselves amongst the educated elite!

Anyone can overcome any obstacle in their way if they put God first and trust that He will guide you! The you can proudly say another obstacle out of the way!