Thirty-First Year

I have walked this earth for 31 years; as of yesterday. Today I start my 32nd year of life.
Throughout my lifetime, I have been through many phases; many stages of growth, and maturing.
During my 20th year of life, I got married, and truly met Jesus.
During my 23rd year of life, I was called into ministry through the supernatural leading of the Holy Spirit.
During my 25th year of life, I became a father, and entered into full-time-vocational ministry.
And during my 30th year of life, I became a pastor of a church.
But something has happened during my 31st year of life- another milestone.
This last year, I and my wife feel, has been a year of extreme maturing. I feel as though I’ve gained more maturity, wisdom, experience, and patience than all of my previous years combined- so much so that I’ve even noticed some people who don’t want to be around me as much because I’m actually “too mature”..
Now obviously, I have HUGE room to grow in maturity, and many more life experiences to glean wisdom from. But I feel as though I’ve sort of grown into my own skin and into my position in life.
I have lost so much inhibition, fear, anxiety, and carelessness in my life.
I have gained so much courage; and have become so much more aware of, and comfortable with using, the spiritual gifts I have been entrusted with.
This last two years, I feel, have been years of foundation-laying for what God is going to build with my life. And I believe, that this year, will be a year of building; building upon the foundation that had been laid. I believe I will begin to see a structure of God’s grace and power built up on this foundation. I believe that God will begin to show me how to care for and live in this structure; and challenge me to see like-structures replicated in the lives of those I lead and am reaching.
I believe that this structure God is building on the foundations he has laid will never be completed, but always be growing, moving forward, and advancing.
I may have come a long way over the past year, and I’m grateful for that. But I’m much more excited to see what God’s yet to do, and the bigger things He’s bringing my way.
I’m anxious to see what the next phase in my life will ultimately bring, and the milestones I will reach over the next few years.

One Responseto “Thirty-First Year”

1. Pete says:

   April 8, 2011 at 4:14 pm

   That is awesome Anthony!
   It’s amazing to look back at our own lives and see where we were and where we are now.
   Like you, I’m anxious to see where God puts me and what He does with my life over the next few years. My prayers are with you and your family.