Mountains of Questions

Amber and I journeyed west for about 16 hours last Friday to arrive at our temporary home for the summer: the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. This is my third summer out here, making it feel like a second home in some ways. Even though I am probably more of a beach bum than a mountain man, I love it out here! How can you not? It is ridiculously gorgeous and it's my "office" for the summer, where Amber and I are helping to facilitate our GCM Leadership Training program for college students.

I spent my first summer out here, and last as a college student, encountering the most unforgettable and transformational summer of my young life. Something mysterious, awesome and incredibly challenging happens here as we submit ourselves to our Father in an intense and unrealistic environment for eleven weeks. Little if any television or movies, minimal mobile phone use, buffet lines at mealtime, a one minute commute to "work", new and old friends all around all the time, all set in the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Now in my third summer, I experience "this" with different eyes and ears. I'm married now. I have three years of campus ministry under my belt. I've found healing from some old wounds, some are just rearing their ugly head, others have healed to give way to new ones.

What does God have in store for this summer? What lessons is he eagerly waiting to teach me? How is he waiting to surprise me with his love and grace? Where and how will he expose weaknesses, idols, insecurities only to pour out his favor and redemption? Will I receive from him? Will I be listening? Will my hands be open to receive? Will I ignore his whispers? Who will I build deeper friendships with? How will I encourage? How will I encourage? Where can I step down, empty myself and serve? Will I recognize Jesus right around me?

For now...I wait. I rest in his faithfulness and his love.