Lesson wot I learnt!

I came to this church on the trail of my husband and for reasons that don't need exploring at this juncture we remained, attached as Pastor (and wife) to the church.

Our time here is coming to an end and I thought I would share some of the many lessons that I have learnt.

1. Life is pain, Highness. Anyone, who tells you differently is selling you something. Yes that seems a negative one to start with but believe it or not getting that right in my head has helped me. I have struggled both personally and because of the Ministry, but remembering this means things don't come as a shock anymore. I was extremely rose-tinted about life and how mine would pan out but learning that 'stuff happens' puts a different perspective on how you deal with things and people.
2. God's not dead! He is Alive. The fact that I have been through situations and loss has ultimately made this so much more real in my life (at the time it didn't help). I became a Christian at the age of 12 but have had my faith tested. I praise Him that through the times of suffering God sent along people and friends to help me see that God is very much alive and helping me through life.
   
3. It's better with a friend standing by your side. Sharing all the good times. God has really taught me that friends are cool. What a marvellous invention you had there God! Yes, I got through some tough times 'on my own' (with my husband and family of course) but it would have been so much better if I had mellowed and allowed myself to risk getting close to people earlier.
   
4. It is not good to die at 35 years but wait till you are 85 to be buried! I laughed out loud when I heard a preacher say this. But wow what a message. As previously mentioned here I have suffered some loss personally and had allowed that to stop me living for anyone, let alone God. I had slipped into a habit of feeling sorry for myself. God in His wisdom and mercy used the death of my MIL to shock me: 'Stop your whining and get out there and do something!' - the message was loud and clear. Praying about what God wanted me to do and taking my eyes off myself has cleared up a lot of bad thinking and attitudes. I am pleased with the qualifications I have gained, the experience of living as a Pastor's wife and am looking forward to how all that fits in with the next chapter of my life.
5. The Importance of being Earnest. I love this film (sorry to you purists I haven't seen the play) and the name is all important; so much so that the ladies don't want to marry anyone who isn't called Earnest! I have learnt during my time living here that I am a child of God and have been called by name. I learnt that it is not what I am but who I am that is important. I want to seek to serve the one who has called me.
6. There's a world outside my window, and its a world of dread and fear. During my time in this church I have had the experience of learning a lot about people in great need in other countries; some who are persecuted for their faith. We have a man who assimilates information every week for us to read and pray through. I have come to realise that I live in a cosy bubble and not everyone is as privileged as me. So it has spurred me to pray more for these people.
7. Sugar and Spice and all things nice. I have had the tremendous blessing and joy of becoming mummy to 2 beautiful girls. Our road to parenthood wasn't easy but it has been worth the wait. There have been times of shear hard work (and I am under no illusion that they are over!) but many happy moments. So thank God for allowing us to parent and giving us the wisdom and strength that we have needed.
8. Go tell it on the mountain. During the course of being here I have met some great Christian workers. People who are serving the Lord in many different and non-conventional ways and who have been an inspiration to me. By the grace of God it would be great to have the drive they have to serve their God.
9. Cameron (from Ferris Buellers Day Off) goes to the Art Gallery with Ferris and Sloane. He is looking at a picture by George Seurat (Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte) and sees the child but that soon turns into dots. My interpretation is he uses the painting to work out what his childhood has all been about and that is the start of him dealing with his dad and all the mess. I believe that I could see my time here as dots but I must use it to work out my salvation and the works God has for me.
   
10. Rabbit-Proof Fence. This is one of my all-time favourite films (oh yes, I am a bundle of laughs! ). Molly has so much determination to get home and follows the fence across Australia. I want to have that determination; I want to go to home to Heaven. I just have a desire to serve God whilst I am doing it.
    

So those are a few of the lessons I have learnt and now I have written them I can be excited to see how God will continue to teach me. I know from experience that may be good stuff and it may be bad but I pray that the lessons here are strong enough to know 'All things work together for good'.