When I was first asked to write this blog I was quite
nervous. The reason being I’m not much of a writer and I have never really
enjoyed it, however after asking a few people who had contributed to the YFC
blog page, I came to the conclusion that it would be a good way of sharing some
of my experiences as a GAP year volunteer.
At the start of the year I was asked what I wanted to get
out of this year. To this I replied, “I want to become a more patient person”.
I have always been a person who likes to get things done and I hate to be
waiting around for things, but I knew that if I was to go into Youth Ministry
as a career that it would be an invaluable trait to have. Many things have
already tested me to be patient this year from buses to my relationship with
God and misbehaving kids to relationships with friends.
It’s definitely what I asked for and I only realised in the
past few weeks that (to quote a friend), “it’s a dangerous request when asking
God for patience”. This is because you will be tested in so many situations to
be patient especially within the things you most love. I don’t particularly
believe that God can give you happiness, peace or patience as a physical gift,
but rather throws you into situations where you have the opportunity to be happy,
feel peace and grow in patience. He almost molds situations around what you
need and sometimes you do have to remember what you asked for or else you end
up blaming God for tough times.
So many times I’ve run to God already this year questioning
why he had done “such and such” and why it was so hard when I’m working towards
what he wants, but every time he gives me a slap around the head (not physical)
and shows me the bigger picture. So I challenge you to think about what you
have asked God for that may be moulding your life but that you might also be
resentful for because you didn’t fully understand the consequences of that
prayer, also to possibly pray with your heart but really discuss it with God
before diving in without any armbands. That’s right I still wear armbands…
Jay Anderson
Jay is a year out volunteer on the YfCone scheme
His focus is youthwork and sport
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