"I just wanted to thank you one last time for all that you've done this summer for me. It's been awesome and you've done great... and I know that you'll be great wherever you are."
So as many of you know, I've been interning at my church at home this summer. It's been really awesome. I had some ups where I loved coming in every morning to my internship, and I had some downs where I did not want to be there, thought I wouldn't show it, and I wasn't sure if anyone could pick up on that fact. A couple of things throughout were constant encouragements to me.
The first thing, was a growing relationship with Christ. Before my internship, I would not say that I was in a daily devotion to the One that I wanted to serve with the rest of my life. On the first day of my internship, Dewbe challenged and encouraged me to start off with that; to make sure my day started off reading scripture and praying. I took it to heart, and it has never been more satisfying. God spoke to me many times through these times where I was meditating on His word and conversing with Him. God kept revealing Himself to me in many ways, and I had the chance to communicate some of these things to students a few times. These times encouraged me, gave me peace, refreshed me just when I needed it.
The second constant was the praise and encouragement I received from my friend and mentor, Dewbe. I don't think he realizes the impact the words he has spoken to me this summer has impacted me, and changed me. Constant words of encouragement and praises to others about me filled his speech, even to people I barely know. Dewbe probably doesn't know it, but each time he said something, it lifted me, it encouraged me, it blessed me. He constantly told me that he believes that I am going to be a great youth pastor, and that I am pretty much ready. I remember each one as if it had just came off of his lips so nonchallantly. These words were so impactful because I tend to get discouraged easily and believe lies that creep into my head that tell me I'm not meant to be a youth pastor. I experienced how much God loves me and how he made me exactly for this through Dewbe this summer. The confirmation in my mind has been overwhelming from him. Don't get me wrong, I know I will fail at some things, and succeed at others, but it is all part of the learning and growing process.
In conclusion, I've had two constant encouragers in my time here in Brentwood this summer, one who was doing his best to become more like the other. These constant encouragers were Christ, and Dewbe. I love both of them dearly. Because of them, I now know the importance of encouragement in the life of the believer.
Lord, I thank you for constantly lifting me up this summer and blessing me. I thank you so much for Dewbe and his constant encouragement. I pray that you continue to bless him and the ministry he partakes in here in Brentwood. I pray that you would continue to give him a heart to encourage others and see them succeed. I pray that you would continue to pour out your Spirit on Dewbe and his family so that they may continue to love You by loving others. Protect them and bless them. I pray these things in the name of your Son: Jesus Christ. Amen.
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