This past August, Amanda and I celebrated 11 years on staff at FEC. Looking back, I can honestly say it’s been an incredible journey. Not always easy… but it’s been filled with joy and the hand of God every step of the way.
What’s funny about serving at FEC is how often I feel like I’m the one being served. I know I’m here to lead and give, but truthfully, I owe so much to this place….
FEC has given me more than I could’ve imagined—lifelong friendships that feel more like family, a church where my kids are excited to learn about Jesus and are deeply loved, and a community that prays for and supports us through every season. This place has our hearts. I love it here.
One of the greatest gifts FEC has given me is something I never planned on: my education.
After graduating from Toccoa Falls College with my undergrad, I had no intentions of going back to school. For those of you who’ve known me a while, you know I wasn’t exactly valedictorian material. But FEC saw something in me and invested in my growth—first through my master’s, and then again when I thought I was done. They just kept believing in me.
Because of that investment, I’ve been privileged to learn from some incredible professors:
• Dr. Chris Bounds, Theology Professor at Asbury University
• Dr. Patric Eby, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Wesley Seminary
• Dr. Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church
These men have forgotten more than I’ll probably ever know!
Still, as grateful as I am for those classroom experiences, the greatest lessons I’ve ever learned about following Jesus have come from two people who don’t have a degree to their name: my kids.
Watching them grow up has been one of the most joy-filled parts of my life. And the way they see the world? It’s changed me.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
I think I’m finally starting to understand what He meant….
Children have this incredible way of seeing the world with a “glass half full” kind of hope. Meanwhile, we adults tend to dissect every problem, overthink, and stress over things we can’t control.
When their favorite team loses, they don’t critique every play….they point out the good, and then ask what’s for supper.
When we feel pressure to impress others, they just see “mom” and “dad.”
When we try to give them the world, all they really want is to be seen, known, and loved.
Kids have a way of simplifying reality. We, on the other hand, tend to complicate it.
Maybe we’d all breathe a little easier if we borrowed their perspective more often, if we measured success less by the world’s standards, and more by what really matters: connection, joy, authenticity, and most of all… JESUS!
So here’s to 11 years at FEC.
Here’s to a community that keeps investing in me.
And here’s to two little professors who remind me every day what following Jesus actually looks like.
Leave a comment