Blog

When I was on sabbatical, Shannon made a rule that I could only spend 20 minutes a week writing and posting my blogs. I get to see Shannon in person at the end of the week. I’m not sure if I’ll manage to get a post out on time, and that’s okay.

I’m not sure how it’s already September, but several big events flew by the past two weeks as I had done hard work to have sticky subjects in youth group this term and put a lot of effort into doing it well so that young people can learn God’s best for their lives. What an absolute privilege. This past Friday, my friend Craig came down for a summit and gave us some of his time the day before to share how it’s hard but important to honour your parents – even if they are abusive. He gave a beautifully nuanced perspective on how you never excuse abuse, but you can pray for your parents and ask God to step in and intervene. He also encouraged young people to be brave and share with someone to get help if needed.

I don’t work with “easy” kids. I’ve never worked with “easy” kids, even at BFA. I was told the “bad” kids liked to hang out with me at BFA, but, honestly, there are no “good,” “bad,” or “easy” kids. Kids are kids. These are young people made in the image of God who all have vastly different lives, and I want to help them encounter the power of the Gospel in every area of their lives.

Hot take, but a huge part of that is modelling. I had some really quality conversations this week where I shared some of the ways I’m looking to make space for the Holy Spirit and how I wish God would hurry up and heal my body. There are little ways the leg spasms are annoying me and slowing me down, and it’s left me feeling like I’m scrambling to get everything in order before my flight in the morning.

The truth is, I’m such an over planner that when I’m “behind schedule” it means everything is getting done on time. I just am so used to being ahead of the game, that when the margin I planned for disappears, I need a beat to remember I’m not late.

In fact, the signs of spring have come, but it’s only just ticked over into the season. I can’t be mad when it gets cold at night still because summer is slowly advancing after we get the full blossoms down the streets. Ironically, I’m headed to the autumn up north, and hopefully I’ve packed enough warm clothes. Since I’m traveling alone for three or four of these legs to different cities, I’ve done my best to keep the load light. It’s interesting to think what little things add up to fill my suitcase for a three week trip, but I’ve got it down to the details of who gets pineapple lumps or hokey pokey chocolate.

As I set out on this last big trip of the year, I would love the extra prayers for the details of connections and my wheelchair making it to each connection and for my body to hold out for all it needs to do.