0

"Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"

That's the motto of LEE Community College, the place where I spent the past year studying my diploma in counseling psychology. I must say that I've learned much, not just in the areas of clinical psychology, but more so from the humanistic approach that the lectures had been held throughout the months.

Today marks the end of this leg of journey... and yeah, I can never imagine how He's letting the many bits and pieces fall into place, in a way where things become a little clearer. Past experiences are never wasted; even those many times I lamented over myself as a shy introvert, all the struggles I went through... they all happened for a reason.

And they remind me of God's grace every time I think of them.

:)

Working amongst youths has its share of ups and downs. I'm thankful for the privilege to serve in my church's youth ministry (called WEB - Where Eternity Begins), where I got to experience growth alongside the ministry, which was pretty much in its new infancy phase when I joined five years ago.

There were more downs than ups in the initial stages, partly because of my lack of experience, and also partly because of a lack of interest on the youths' part. They began to grow along the way, not just physically but more so spiritually... and it came a point in time when I would get really excited every time I caught a glimpse of a little fruit growing here and there.

Just last Sunday morning, my heart was touched twice - once during no. 2's sharing, and another one in the midst of worship led by Peter. For all the growth that came about in their lives, I give thanks and am strengthened in faith to know that He's slowly but surely working in their lives.

My role as an elder brother and spiritual leader calls me to encourage and disciple... and unless God moves in their lives and touches them to want to know Him more and live out that living relationship, there's really nothing I can do.

Except to pray.

To lift up those burdens.

And believe in God's sovereignty.

If I were to be the old me, I would have fretted much over the two of them who got themselves involved in gangs, who've stopped coming, the one who's so caught up with all things in school that he's not coming anymore, who's been avoiding calls and messages... but more so I believe, who's simply drifting away from Him. And then there's the one whose self esteem's one that I was pretty much acquainted with, so much that it's hindering him from being used as a mighty instrument... the one who still finds it hard to make friends, the one whose mannerisms may cause him to find it hard still to fit into society, the one lacking in confidence, love... the one guilt striken... those who cry themselves to sleep... the ones who're just so indifferent.

And then I'm reminded that my name is Galvin, not God.

Now I realise that those feelings I used to feel... He's just showing me a little of how He's feeling. And by His grace, He's allowing me to channel all these back to Him now in the form of supplications, to know that He holds each of them dearly in His heart and hand.

And for whoever He's allowed our paths to cross, that I'll continue to be empowered to be that leader, brother and friend that He's called me to be.

And yeah... now that He's crafted my secular portfolio to be amongst youths as well, I can only say... that youth days will just get more interesting by the year. :)