While people are getting dressed to hit their celebration destinations, New Year's Eve has a slightly different tone for me. I eagerly await the turn of the year, like most, but 17 years ago today, I preached my first sermon in South Carolina. It's amazing, as I think about it now, because when I took my place behind that sacred desk, in a polo shirt and slacks, I wasn't sure I really wanted to walk this way, but I knew I was called by God. It was an awkward position, but I was obedient to God and my watchcare pastor. It was the longest 12 minutes of my life (and probably the second-worst sermon I've preached to-date), but God, as always, was faithful.
I still wonder what God sees in me, that He allows me to walk this way: to teach, preach, prophesy, and lead. I never asked for any of it (not did/do I deserve it), but yet He empowers me to do so daily.
I think about how sat me under the appropriate leader for every step of my journey. I thank God for them continually, because like God, they never gave up on me (even when I gave up on myself).
I celebrate this 17 years, not because I'm so excellent and awesome, but because God is. He's supplied me with a great support system that won't let me throw in the towel, parents that support my growth, siblings that push me, and a son that reminds me what it means to love as the Creator loves.
It's funny, I still have that same nervousness today as I did 17 years ago. I still can't eat before preaching without getting sick, I still second-guess God's message and panic, but most importantly, I get excited to share God's message to anyone who will listen.
Happy preacherversary to me!
