It all comes full-circle...

I confess, when it comes to notes and letters, I am a pack-rat.  I am sentimental and sappy and keep things to look back on when life's circumstances change.  It helps keeps me grounded and gives me perspective.  So God granted me a little treasure today when I was digging around in my spare bedroom in a box labeled "children's ministry" stuff.  For some reason, I had slipped a few sheets of paper in the back of the crate, and when I pulled out the sheets I saw the title "New G Tour Send-Off 2008".  It was as if I was instantly taken 3 years back in time, to that time in between being a New G Singer and a New G Sponsor.  I remember sharing with this group of kids I barely knew, as they prepared for a trip I was not going on, and that bittersweet experience was one of the coolest memories I have as I look back now... particularly because God has allowed me the privilege of now being back in the family as a sponsor.  I don't know that anyone else is as nostalgic as me, but I thought it might be fun to share those thoughts from several years ago, for my old New G friends who might remember that day with me.  So here are my words, from the "me" of 3 years ago, as I wished my New G family god-speed as they left for their 2008 tour...

"Good morning!  (After doing a few opening dialogues over the years, I feel like I should be saying, "Good morning, and welcome to the New Generation Singers 2008 Sermon in Song..." but of course, that's not what I'm here for!)  I am privileged to share with you some encouragement and excitement about this journey you are getting ready to embark on- and maybe an insight or two from past experience.

First of all, I am so excited for you all to visit Western Canada, particularly those spectacular mountain sights.  Banff and Lake Louise were part of the last tour I went on as a singer with New G, and out of all the places I got to see on 9 years of tours, the Canadian Rockies are the one place that I absolutely want to return to in my lifetime.  Actually, since I'm already here, can't I just hop on the bus and come with you?  Seriously, take lots of pictures, and take time to meditate on God's amazing creation.  It's very possible you may feel closer to God's presence when you go up those mountains, so I encourage you to savor that experience, and maybe even make some memories that you can 'pull out' and look back fondly on, a few years down the road.

During nearly a decade of experiences in New G's, God taught me quite a few lessons, many of them learned on tours.  As I began preparing to share with you guys today, I started to make a list of some of those life lessons.  I soon realized that I learned far more in those 9 years than I could ever write down on paper, for my heart is full of memories and lessons learned.  I tried to choose just a handful of things that helped me on tour, and have stayed with me throughout my life, so here are a few 'nuggets' I'd like to pass on to you.  #1- Be Flexible!  Serving God often has it's challenges, and on tour that becomes very apparent.  Setting up in 5 minutes flat, or sleeping on the floor in a church, or having to make 3 trips to your host home because your host family drives a ridiculously small car- these things are not nearly as frustrating if you are in a 'flexible' mindset, knowing that you are serving God's kingdom.  Tour (and Life) Lesson #2- God uses everyone, especially our weaknesses.  Every person on tour is there for a purpose set out by God, and He will use you.  Don't be afraid of your weaknesses- God makes us strong.  Lesson #3- You never know when you will get an opportunity to show Jesus to someone through your actions.  On tour, that might be in a church or host home, or while you're out sightseeing, or even on the longest bus ride.  Remember- you never know who's watching you...show them Jesus!  Lesson #4- We are stronger together than we are individually.  The Bible says in Romans that we are all one body.  It functions much better when we all do our part for the glory of God, remembering that we all have the same ultimate purpose- sharing the love of Christ.  And Tour/Life Lesson #5- the journey never ends.  Tour is two weeks, but the ministry of New G and of all Christians is ongoing.  I hope that you all find that this is really the beginning of a journey with Christ that doesn't end when your time with New G's does.

Byron wanted me to share with you the value of New G, particularly in my life over the years.  That's a tall order, because New G was a huge part of my life, and is still so important and special to me.  My life has in many ways been shaped by my involvement with New G's.  The years spent serving on various committees and in various offices taught me many things- churchmanship, leadership, democracy in action, and how to be a part of the family of Christ.  I made lifelong friendships, and memories that will forever be a part of the tapestry of my life.  New G had a big part in who I am today.  Even as I begin grad school, studying education administration, I look at how God used New G to begin to slowly grow and train me as a leader.  Most importantly, in New G I learned how to share the love of God with people, through music, through community activities, through volunteer opportunities God may present us with.  And serving God in New G meant serving Him as part of a precious family.

So...what do I want to leave you with today, as you begin your journey?  Well, your sermon in song is 'More than Words', right?  It's about living like God wants you to live, doing what He wants you to do.  At my church's Vacation Bible School this week, I taught the kiddos a song that made me think of your sermon in song.  The lyrics say 'Let my actions match my passion for what my God has done'.  Are you passionate about God's word and the message of love that you share in New G's?  Well, here's your opportunity to live it out and take action in a big way.  It is about more than words, it's living the life God calls each of us to live.  New G tour will be an awesome opportunity to share your passion for Christ.

So, when you get on that bus and head for adventure (leaving us behind), I'll be praying that you make lots of precious memories, but most of all, I'll be praising God, knowing that you will be making a difference for His kingdom.  God bless you guys, and I can't wait to hear how God works this year!"

Sweet memories...some life lessons I still keep in my pocket...and it all comes full-circle as I continue being given opportunities to serve side-by-side with my New G family.  God bless!