The Lord has a way of creating an interesting life for His faithful. There are trials, of course. But the Lord of love and grace is at work through those difficulties to prove His promises are true.
In looking back over my years, I thank God for the ups and the downs. While experiencing them I couldn' t decipher a pattern; yet I believed God could. When an overview came into view, then it was that I realized a bit of what the Lord had been up to. I expect eternity to make it all clear; till then it' s faith at work.
This is particularly true for me concerning various vocational options He has brought my way, all the while allowing me the privilege of ministry. From Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Windham, Maine I' ve served 10 congregations - Baptist, Congregational, Methodist, Presbyterian, and others.
In addition, the Lord has led me to work at Northeastern University, Kodak, Prison Health Services, Manchester CT Chamber of Commerce, Discovery House and now the Regional Educational Alternative Learning school in South Windham.
It soon will be time to return to the school. It' s on that particular staff that I' ve discovered I' m not only teaching but being taught daily by students.
For instance, they' ve taught me that each youth has particular personality strengths. Though a teen deals with the usual adolescent problems, yet God has placed within each specific pluses awaiting their nurturing. Sometimes a youth may appear rather ordinary, but when living with that person day after day, attractive traits surface.
Also, these youths have taught me that each has his and her own dream. It' s fascinating to listen to their hopes for the future - some real and some unreal. Nevertheless, one never knows what fulfillment these youngsters may come into as they persist.
The teens taught me as well that beneath their fun and games demeanor there are tender spots, sensitive areas, feelings of concern for others. For instance, when last year one of the staff announced he wouldn' t be returning this fall, I noted tears welling up in many of the students' eyes. Their hearts reached out, dealing with this future absence in their lives.
One of the students some time ago took his life. He became quite depressed, so jumped in front an automobile. He' d left a note in his pocket. Students were shaken. They attempted to put pieces together so as to grapple with this tragedy. A memorial gathering was held at which time those who wanted spoke freely of what his life had meant to the school.
It was then that I particularly felt like "family." Living with one another throughout a school year does form a family for good. That has been one of the most challenging opportunities given the staff - to help mold that family for the adolescents' futures.
Taking stock of my life, I believe that this present-tense fellowship with teen students day in, day out is one of the most rewarding experiences. It has truly been an opportunity I wouldn' t have wanted to miss.
And I have heaven to thank.
J. Grant Swank, Jr.
Read: http://jgrantswankjr.blogspot.com/
