Warning: At the beginning of this message I struggle to adjust the music stand to the appropriate height, and you can hear everyone laughing at me. God likes to humble me before I speak. 

This was a very personal message for me because I announced for the first time in public that I was leaving Young Life staff at The University of Texas. It was such a difficult decision for me. NINE years walking with college students there, and three years before that with high school students. It was the end of a big chapter for me.

But, in God’s knowing grace, he made it undeniable. I think one of the hardest parts for me was that things were going so WELL with UTYL. We had, like all ministries, difficult seasons. But, this was not one of them. Our staff team was top notch, the ministry was healthy, I was just given a raise, and I had survived a year of new motherhood. It felt like things were in a groove. But, as I slowed down last summer and started spending daily time in my front porch rocking chair with the Lord, in his kindest gentlest way, He told me it was time. He spoke to me, not audibly, but clearly.

I talk about my decision to leave in this message, and I hope to share more here in the coming months about what all God’s been teaching me in the process. Spoiler alert: it’s been mostly learning to wait and trust. I’m not very good at either of those. I’m more of a do-er and a planner. I’m looking forward to sharing more. For now, I hope this message encourages you to listen to Jesus as you make decisions. He is worthy to be the Lord of your life.

p.s. I have since accepted a part-time job with Young Life in the Lone Star Region where I’ll work on leadership development for women staff. Just one of the many surprises God has placed along this dimly lit path he’s leading me on.