God is a lot smarter than me. I say that because I forget sometimes, and I have recently experienced just how good and wise my heavenly Father is.
A couple months ago I set my heart on going to TeenPact National Convention. But, at every turn, things simply would not work out. And it happened time, after time, after time. Eventually, I learned to trust that God was closing one door so that He could open a better one. And that is exactly what He did when He opened up the door for me to attend TPU.
TeenPact University was one of the best events that I have ever attended. Chris Sherrod (our teacher for the week) was absolutely amazing. He has a passion for what He is doing that is infectious. As a youth pastor, he knows how to connect with teens - and he's smart enough to never dismiss them. And because of his excellent teaching, I'm far better equipped to defend my faith and engage others in thought-provoking conversation now than I was just last week.
Mrs. Sherrod was also a huge blessing. She and the girls at TPU had 3 sessions together during the week, and I treasure the wisdom that she had to share with us. I found out rather quickly that, not too long ago, she was in our shoes - and she knows exactly how our minds work. :-)
Among the many prayers that I had for TPU, I had one very specific one: for a roommate that I would be able to connect with, that I could be a blessing to, and that I might be able to build a lasting relationship with. God more than answered my prayer when He sent me a young woman named Grace. Through her sweetness, her transparency, and her understanding, she became one of the greatest blessings that the week had in store for me.
The thing that surprised me the most during TPU was just how many things God had to teach me. He taught me so much about friendships, about trusting His timing, about looking past the surface of things to the heart of a person, about developing more of a heart for the lost and confused in the world (of which there are many), about the importance of making time for siblings, and about truly trusting others with myself. And I learned - once again - that God has an amazing sense of humor. *LOL* Let's just say that He can be a very creative teacher sometimes, using the most random people to reach us with what we need to hear.
By the end of TPU, I truly felt like something was just beginning... a new chapter in my life has begun. I believe that it will be one in which I'm walking closer with my Lord, in which I will learn to trust Him (and His timing) more and worry less, and in which I will be making a conscious effort to spend more quality time with the people who matter the most in my life.
4 comments:
Hey girl. I'm so glad to hear that you were blessed and a blessing to those around you. It's hard to believe that it's been four years since I attended that event. I definitely learned a ton. Mr. and Mrs. Sherrod were amazing (and I'm sure that four years has only made them better). Oh, did he make you answer those questions (I'm thinking they were on green or blue slips of paper)? That had me a bit nervous. :)
Wow. That's awesome.
Megan,
You changed your blog back round! It looks cool! I am getting tired of blue on mine. Oh well. Thanks for all the updates on your teeth. Hope to see you soon!
Oh where oh where has our dear Megan gone. Oh where oh where can she be.(You know that song right?) haha anywhay. Just thought I would hint that we readers of nutmegs world are ready for an update!
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