As many of you know, I moved to Hixson, TN for the summer to intern with the children's ministry at Clear Creek Church of Christ.
That was almost 11 weeks ago.
And as I sit here, trying to pack up my things to head back home tomorrow, the thought of this awesome adventure being over is really starting to hit pretty hard.
I love these kids SO much.
Bottom line is, I'm not ready to say goodbye.
I don't even know what to say, besides the fact that this has been one of the most amazing and rewarding summers of my 19 [almost 20] years of life.
This church feels like home.
And that's simply because it is- which is why I'm so sad to go so soon.
Because of this job, I discovered a new love for writing curriculum. It was so amazing to be delegated that type of responsibility throughout the summer, and to love it all the more I continued to write it was quite the discovery for me.
Here is my biggest takeaway from this internship:
Ministry is not all just kicks and giggles. It's not easy. Not everyone (specifically parents, from a children's ministry standpoint) is always going to be pleased with the decisions you make, but you can't blame yourself for that, either. You will face that in any job industry, but as a minister it is so important to learn how respect the opinions of others and listen to what they have to say, regardless of what you think. As frustrating as it might be, the church is a family. Therefore, you must treat it with the love and respect it deserves. Dissatisfaction is inevitable, but family is forever. And it's so important to keep that in mind. I feel like too many people, too often, forget this. As a result, tension lingers. And the longer tension lingers, the more it grows- and spreads. That's very dangerous. The church must be handled with care.
Without a doubt, God blessed me immensely this summer with inspiring, influential, and incredibly insightful spiritual leaders.. I have learned so much and truly feel more prepared to take on a role in the field of ministry.
To be able to stand by and watch as the love of God continued to grow within the hearts of these kids throughout the summer was amazing. Words simply fail to describe my experience this summer. He is constantly at work in them, and they know it!
Warm
Welcome
Wanted
Acknowledged
Appreciated
Challenged
Respected
Loved
Blessed
Grateful
Joyful
11 wonderful words for 11 incredible weeks.
I can't believe it's time for me to leave. Everything inside of me wants to stay, but I know that I can't.. I have to keep moving forward. That doesn't mean I won't look back, though. Looking back will give me something to look forward to; my future. I can't wait to have a permanent role to serve God's children. A place where I can spend years watching that little seed of faith sprout as they continue to grow older. Another place I can call home.
God has worked through me so much in the past 11 weeks. I can feel it in my heart. His love is overflowing with so many wonderful things! Ah, I feel so refreshed and renewed, as well as blessed with a new knowledge that I can hold on to as I proceed to walk towards my future in the field of ministry. And there's only One person to thank for that. Yep God, that's You.
Thank you for such a wonderful, life-changing summer, Clear Creek.
And thank You for choosing me, God.
Wherever Your spirit leads me is wherever I'll go- always.
Peace and Grace,
Emily Lauren
That was almost 11 weeks ago.
And as I sit here, trying to pack up my things to head back home tomorrow, the thought of this awesome adventure being over is really starting to hit pretty hard.
I love these kids SO much.
Bottom line is, I'm not ready to say goodbye.
I don't even know what to say, besides the fact that this has been one of the most amazing and rewarding summers of my 19 [almost 20] years of life.
This church feels like home.
And that's simply because it is- which is why I'm so sad to go so soon.
Because of this job, I discovered a new love for writing curriculum. It was so amazing to be delegated that type of responsibility throughout the summer, and to love it all the more I continued to write it was quite the discovery for me.
Here is my biggest takeaway from this internship:
Ministry is not all just kicks and giggles. It's not easy. Not everyone (specifically parents, from a children's ministry standpoint) is always going to be pleased with the decisions you make, but you can't blame yourself for that, either. You will face that in any job industry, but as a minister it is so important to learn how respect the opinions of others and listen to what they have to say, regardless of what you think. As frustrating as it might be, the church is a family. Therefore, you must treat it with the love and respect it deserves. Dissatisfaction is inevitable, but family is forever. And it's so important to keep that in mind. I feel like too many people, too often, forget this. As a result, tension lingers. And the longer tension lingers, the more it grows- and spreads. That's very dangerous. The church must be handled with care.
Without a doubt, God blessed me immensely this summer with inspiring, influential, and incredibly insightful spiritual leaders.. I have learned so much and truly feel more prepared to take on a role in the field of ministry.
To be able to stand by and watch as the love of God continued to grow within the hearts of these kids throughout the summer was amazing. Words simply fail to describe my experience this summer. He is constantly at work in them, and they know it!
Warm
Welcome
Wanted
Acknowledged
Appreciated
Challenged
Respected
Loved
Blessed
Grateful
Joyful
11 wonderful words for 11 incredible weeks.
I can't believe it's time for me to leave. Everything inside of me wants to stay, but I know that I can't.. I have to keep moving forward. That doesn't mean I won't look back, though. Looking back will give me something to look forward to; my future. I can't wait to have a permanent role to serve God's children. A place where I can spend years watching that little seed of faith sprout as they continue to grow older. Another place I can call home.
God has worked through me so much in the past 11 weeks. I can feel it in my heart. His love is overflowing with so many wonderful things! Ah, I feel so refreshed and renewed, as well as blessed with a new knowledge that I can hold on to as I proceed to walk towards my future in the field of ministry. And there's only One person to thank for that. Yep God, that's You.
Thank you for such a wonderful, life-changing summer, Clear Creek.
And thank You for choosing me, God.
Wherever Your spirit leads me is wherever I'll go- always.
Peace and Grace,
Emily Lauren