It's good. Very, very good.

I was all prepared to write about how I love fall up until daylight savings kicks in...then I caught my last post (you know, a mere 8 months ago), and saw that it was referring to dark winter...signs of spring...and I did not want to get in the habit (if you can call 3 posts a year a habit) of being all nature, all the time. So, instead of telling the 3 of you out there that still crack this blog open from time to time all about how overwhelmed I am by the urge to stay in my house until April, I'll change my route (do you say "root" in your head? I for sure do NOT). God has been teaching me so much these past few months. My pastor has said, more than once, that he thinks it is a sign of healing when you can begin to serve again. If that is the case, then I think I have complete confirmation that I am 'healed' (and yes, I said that in my best televangelist voice, making the word two whole syllables).

Serving is a weird thing. It is the best way that I know to exhaust yourself unknowingly. (The arc trainer at the gym is the best way to exhaust yourself knowingly. Seriously, you never have to pick your feet up...) At least, that is how it has been (for the most part) for me. I had no idea, back in June, when I saw a little "ad" in our church bulletin looking for a "Shepherd" for the college/career age life group, that it would be THE perfect place for me to return to serving. I just thought it sounded interesting, and like something I would be good at. I mentioned my interest to a friend (who had just signed on to be the host family to this group), and that was the end of that. As much fun as it has been to get to know these guys, to plan activities and fun things and cook for them (you KNOW I am loving that) and hang out and reveal my dark competitive spoon-playing side...the best part has been the discipleship, the relationship building, and the intentional conversations about God, life, and all that other good stuff. It has been the biggest blessing to me, to get to meet formally and informally with some pretty amazing ladies. On my way to my first official meeting, specifically to disciple, I stopped by to see one of MY disciplers for a crash course in "what in the world am I doing trying to lead others and how do I get started in this???" And, in about five minutes, she set me straight with just a few thoughts and some wisdom.(I am so grateful for the ladies who I seek out discipleship from) The planned meetings go so well that I am 100% sure I have nothing to do with the process, the credit goes to God for sure, and the informal moments with the various members of our group have been very sweet and eye-opening for me. Our church is BIG on discipleship. The leader of our life group is BIG on discipleship. In just a short time, I have experienced a new level of it, and a greater appreciation and respect for the intentionality of it and the impact it brings. So much so that I have added "Do you DISCIPLE??" to my list of nosey questions that I throw into discussion at appropriate and sometimes more abrupt times. I am completely convinced that if you are stuck spiritually, if you are serving and worshipping and seeking God, but are not involved in intentional discipleship, you are missing the very thing that will get you "unstuck" and moving in the right direction. I firmly believe that every believer needs to be discipled as well as disciple others. What that looks like, as far as meeting times and formality, is not concrete. I just know from what I see in scripture that it is required. No excuses.
Anyway...that is where I am at right now. This is not the only ministry opportunity that I am excited to be participating in right now...but it is the highest of priorities at the moment. Mostly, whether referring to this area or any other aspect of my life, I am really overwhelmed by a desire to be doing what God wants me to be doing, and to not be wasting my time on fruitless things (more on that another time).
If I were a really corny person (no comments needed, thank you very much), I might make some comparison to this "season" of my life..or some other nature-related junk...but I'm not corny, so no worries.