The past

Last week I received an invitation for my college homecoming reunion. One part of the packet was a bio sheet the college asked to be filled out for a 'reunion' booklet. One question had me thinking long and hard....'What is your most memorable college moment". Hmmmm, that was an impossible question for me to answer. I didn't really have any fantastic moments while at this particular college. In fact, I would say the two years I spent there were two of the most difficult years of my life. It was a time rife with rebellion, poor decisions, heartache and utter selfishness. I have absolutely no spiritual fruit to show from that time and a bunch of 'coulda, woulda, shoulda' regrets.

But I don't despair. Nope, while I do wish I had a different story to tell, God is still able to bring beauty out of those ashes. He has given me a love for that age of young people that is passionate and strong. He has given me a purpose in using my abilities, home and ministry opportunities to give them a place of refuge to recharge their spiritual batteries, a respite from the world that assaults them at every front on that campus, ministry events to help them stretch spiritually, or a friend who will listen as they work through the growing pains that comes with independence and decision making.

I am thankful that God doesn't dwell on my past, but can use it to bring Him glory and honor in the present and for all eternity.