Hey Y’all!
October! What a month. Truly, I think that this has been an incredible month for my experience in the Fellows program. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? I started the month by sharing my personal testimony with my Fellows - a fitting way to feel fully known (isn’t that what we all want?) following that, we had three weekend retreats! The first of which was a leadership weekend retreat to reflect on how to be the best youth leaders we could be. The second was a men’s retreat weekend for just Fellows, which - while rainy and cold - was an incredible time at the beach. The last of which was a journey of generosity - a time of learning what (other than money) we can tithe to give back to Gods kingdom.
I can honestly say that, even though all three retreats were so different - in the people that participated, the locations, etc - I felt like God has been teaching me that I must diminish so that he can be exalted. I think it sounds funny saying it, because it’s pretty simple. I mean, how the heck have I not figured this out? 22 years of being a Christian and I can say with confidence that this feels like a new experience. Maybe it’s growing closer with youth leaders who take their work seriously in loving and serving teenagers? Maybe it’s spending time with other young, godly women and men: a mirror into my seemingly less fruitful soul? But I can confidently say, there is a desire - now more than ever - to become close with God. I don’t simply want it to be like the other godly people around me, but I want to be transformed, changed into the most Christlike version of myself: a servant.
I know I know, a little intense for just a blog right? But I feel like October has changed me (just in time for the season haha).
Other things that happened this month include hanging out with my niece, going to my grandmother’s 80th birthday which was a lovely family reunion, becoming addicted to both Rummikub and coup, making more sourdough, running weekly with my brothers, and growing evermore close to my fellow fellas and fellers, family, and friends. I feel like I’m understanding my place and role in my job, and my desires have increased for God and decreased for myself. Additionally, I found myself on an early 2000s and 90s worship bender, where I’m listening non-stop. I can’t get enough! Specifically, casting crowns and mercy me, so go, give them a listen and trust me you won’t regret it! Cheers to October and another transformative month :)
Love you all! Thanks for supporting me :)
- Clay OUT
