Ten years

Ten years ago this month I graduated from high school. That time in my life seems much longer ago then ten years. I think of how much I have done, how I have changed. It blows my mind. I enjoyed high school, but I would never go back.

I received a card from a couple at my parents' church ten years ago today, that has been an incredible encouragement and at times challenge to me. And at the time it suprised me, many of the ways they described me, but I am thankful for the way they spoke some qualities into my life.

They told me that "God has placed some wonderful treasures in your soul Sarah, and it will be delightful for you and everyone else to to watch them unfold." And that has been a joy.

• Encountering the Holy Spirit in a totally new and abundant way at Pine Cove that summer after my freshman year of college and the next three summers there of challenge and community that helped shaped my faith.


• Grace Bible Church at TAMU and how I learned to seriously study scripture and godly discipline, as well as such incredible teaching on 1 John that still incites such a deep love for that book.


• Incredible friendships at A&M and camp. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count all the women and men who I was blessed to know in deep, real ways.


• Washington, DC was a whole new adventure. I never thought that this would be the place that I was called to and I can no longer imagine any other place. I was created for this city. And it has been a whole bunch of crazy treasures. Capitol Hill has been an education in politics and people and has open all sorts of incredible doors. I have heard Presidents and Prime Ministers speak, sat on the Floor of the House. Fought for what I believe in. Sat in meetings in rooms that most people don't even know exist, much less know that the conversation going on there is the conversations that shape the future of this country, and been a part of those conversations. It's crazy.


• Not only that, I have been welcomed into the most incredible community I have ever know. Over five years since first walking in the door of Church of the Resurrection, I love them even more and am convinced that while we are far from perfect, this is my little glimpse of the community to come in heaven. And I rejoice.


• The places that I have traveled have been incredible as well...Peru, Rwanda, China...really just the beginning of the adventures, but to have seen and visited some of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, to have seen and felt the forgiveness that is ongoing in Rwanda, both give me chills.

But again, it comes back to the community. I am known here and loved. As I have embarked upon this crazy homeownership, the Lord has been gracious to show me, just how much that is. I have people eager to help me with my house, who ask and pray and support me in it. I have no words to express the gratitude that I have for this community.

And I continue to fall in love with this city. I am so excited.

High school seems like such a long time ago. I am not who I was. And praise the Lord for that.