It has been quite a wild ride as I contemplate the variety of Sundays I’ve spent doing ministry with Don. We began our married life together in a large church working in children’s & Christian Ed ministry. It was new for me. As a single woman I had only sung in choirs & on worship teams. But I embraced the opportunity to learn new things and work alongside my new husband. 

Soon we were moved to another state – to another large church. Within a short period of time I found myself moving into women’s ministry – as the leader! It was terrifying and I was usually overwhelmed with anxiety. Once again I was learning on the job. Looking back I can see God’s hand at work even though I had no WM or leadership experience. But I plunged into it trusting God’s leading and guiding Holy Spirit. I found myself directing Bible studies, teaching the Word and speaking in front of large groups. In the meantime came kids and all the resulting activities. I worked in the nursery, back a bit in kids ministry, missions ed, hospitality areas, homeschooling the whole time. It was a crazy, wonderful, wild roller coaster life. 

Much like a roller coaster ride, it came to a sudden stop and our next stop was interim pastoring at very small churches. Once again the Lord began the stretching of my comfort zone. I found this tiny church needed a worship leader. What a joy to minister with my sons as we lead this small group of believers into the presence of God. They didn’t mind my lack of a perfect voice (or pitch) but saw a heart willing to serve wherever God had planted us. I ran sound, made coffee, created PowerPoint slides for worship, greeted visitors, prayed for needs. 

Now we find ourselves part of a missions base in an Iowa field with ministry encompassing live-streaming prayer & equipping sessions, refuge & restoration ministries. I’m back to running sound, operating a camera, counting offerings, praying for others, and still making coffee. I’ve gone from wearing dresses with heels to jeans and sweatshirts. Brown hair to gray. No kids to two amazing adult sons. Through it all have been constants: God is omniscient. He knows what He’s doing and I trust Him to place me where I can thrive, and grow, and serve others. Another constant: Don loves me and gives me support no matter what I’m doing. Lastly I found that if I’m willing, I’ll always have someplace to pour myself into. 

God is good – no matter where I am or what I’m doing. He is the same for you. Your life isn’t about finding your perfect place and staying there forever. It’s about pressing into the grace of God, trusting Him to lead you wherever He needs you today. Say “yes” to the urging of the Holy Spirit. Go forward anticipating a new season. Awaken the adventurer who lies within you! 

Can’t wait to see the place God is preparing for me today. Wherever I am, He is already there.