Looking back six years with thanksgiving

6th of May 2014, feast of John the Apostle and Evangelist the day I was ordained a priest, some verses of scriptures from my mornings (6/5/20) meditations helped to reflect over the last two days, give thanks. 

And surely I am with you always, to the very end f the age. Matthew 28:20b 

No one can snatch them out of my hand . John 10:28b

Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:37-39)

On first impression these portions of scriptures can paint a negative picture. But these verses were further study sections to conclude a two month long devotional on the "prayer of Jesus" in John 17, which helped to look back at the path that six years had brought me through with thanksgiving, and to look ahead with confidence in God who calls, bringing me back to one of my favourite verses in the bible from 1 Timothy 2:12 "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service", the text I used at the closing chapel service in TTS in April 2013.

I thank God

For little responsibilities given with trust, which furthers capacity and builds the confidence

For family and friends who's respect and relationship is a constant reminder that a priest is a priest to all

For parishioners now turned friends who are now part of my journey

For lay people who's encouragement and support helps to grow 

For congregations who complement; it creates partners in ministry and improves the service

For diverse talents and resources in the parishes as it brings joy in serving

For those who oppose and find fault, they make me reflect and pray

For those who instigate and create trouble, they make me dependent on God and stronger in Him

For priests under whom I served, they have been good teachers through their life and works and continue to be a source of inspiration

For my co-workers who are supportive and challenging 

For priests who still journey with me, they continue in shaping and forming 

For my sister and her unique ways of motivation, inspiration and caution

For Ann! who with a lot of patience (from the time of the ordination retreat) tolerates difficult situations, emotions, periods of silence and yet supports with advice and encouragements and a lot of love and care, who also happens to be my biggest critique which helps me to look back, evaluate and correct.

Above all to God who chose and called, who speaks, corrects, directs, burns the conscience and gives courage, who gave all those above to accompany and continue to accompany the journey and without who I would not have journeyed the past years and who I believe will lead me into the future. 

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory fore ever and ever. Amen . 1 Timothy 1:17