August 25, 2019

The BEST of Summer
         For many students, the return to school has already taken place.  This is the time when all muse on what was the best part of their summer break.  I recently found myself in a discussion with about a dozen teenagers discussing just that.  It was intriguing to say the least. 
       There I was, expecting tales of summer vacations with family and friends, beaches, amusement parks, visiting with relatives, ball games and all sorts of fun! But what I heard was none of that! Instead, I listened to testimony after was testimony of trials and suffering, personal challenges or standing alongside of friends who were facing serious difficulties.  I was shocked!  Though articulate in their descriptions of real pain and suffering, they collectively said that the best part of their summer was the victory they shared in, with, and through Jesus.  Wow, was I shocked!
     When they asked me to share my story of the best of this summer, my story was similar to theirs:  allowing God to transform me in light of what has painfully been a part of the On Mission for the Church Alive journey.  Many people have been amazingly supportive while others, in their hurt, have reacted with bitter anger and less than Christian virtue.              There have been days when the phone messages, signed letters, e-mails, and the bitter sentiments of some, have gotten back to me.  Let’s just say that they have been less that affirming or encouraging in nature.  (Poor Bishop Zubik, I can’t imagine the weight of his cross.) 
     However, I am not the same person that I was in the beginning of the summer.  I have experienced the love of God, the gift of His grace, and  His strength in my life more deeply.  I hope the same can be said of you.  When adversity enters our lives, we make one of two choices: we either become bitter or better, and the difference is just one vowel.
     The point I wish to leave you with is not about me, but about the outpouring of God’s love and our amazing young people who are witnesses to what God in His loving presence, desires to accomplish  through us.  The personal testimonies that I listened to are amazing tales of young disciples who are mature beyond their age.  Vulnerable, yet they are made strong by their openness to God’s grace.  Imagine, each of them identifying joy - a fruit of their trials and sufferings as their summer’s best experience!  Thank you parents for forming your kids in the ways of the faith!  You are successfully preparing them for the world and for heaven.  And as always, thank you God for the gift of faith and the constant outpouring of your love.
      Three things that we can all take away from this account:
· We are never alone, God is always with us.  Trust Him.  Stay close to Him and know that He is so intimately close to you.
· There is nothing too big or so awful that God can’t handle and direct us through.
· Lastly, sharing our trials and experiences of God’s presence in our lives can be a real source of strength and encouragement to others – friends and strangers alike.  Don’t be afraid to share your story.

     I still look back with awe to that evening when the discussion about summer’s best experiences took place.  What an amazing testimony of God’s grace and wisdom in the lives of His people.  May we never discount what God is accomplishing in the lives of our young people, and what He wants to accomplish through each of us.   Give thanks to the Lord always; always give thanks to the Lord!