Impact

I got a newsletter today from the Impact organization at Texas A&M.  For those not familiar with it, it's a pre-college retreat for incoming freshmen, modeled after A&M's huge "Fish Camp", but founded on Christian principles. Today they sent out a newsletter with word on how quickly they are growing and what God's been doing with the organization. It was a much needed reminder of the experience I had and God's goodness.

I attended as a freshman way back in 2001 (dude, that was 10 years ago?!!?), when there was only one session (they've grown so much they now have 3!). It was an amazing experience that started pushing me out of my comfort zone and into a freedom in the way I worshipped and into a higher confidence level in myself and in my faith.  The following fall, I served on the Prayer Team, which was a life changer.  They had the schedule set up so that during the entire retreat, there was 24 hour prayer coverage with each of us on the team taking 8 hour prayer shifts. You know the verse in 1 Thessalonians, "Pray without ceasing" (5:17)? I lived it. It was amazing. Once you start praying continually on 8 hour shifts, you don't just stop when your shift is "done".

The other big thing I learned from the experience was that sometimes God has to put you through tough times and close doors so that you'll see the other door he has opened and learn the lessons you need.  I didn't originally apply to be on the Prayer Team; I wanted to be a counselor, with a partner, and get to lead the students at camp. But God had other plans. My application was turned down, and I nearly started to question my faith, because I was so sure that was what God wanted. But God saw that I wouldn't have considered the Prayer Team if He had left the counselor door open. It turned out to be a huge blessing, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

I need a change of heart to go back to that, to remember my First Love. That time in my life really did have an "Impact" on my walk with God.  Thanks to Him for the reminder of what it means to really walk with Him, and to learn the hard lessons that bring us closer to Him. It's a particularly good reminder, considering my recent job change, and reflecting on the lessons I learned at my previous job that I wouldn't have learned without going through tough times.  He really is a good God, and knows what is best for His children.