Ironically, as a counselor I find I do more teaching than counseling.
I'll tell my new clients to "bring a notebook because I'm going to be giving you some good stuff, (and) there will be times when I say, 'write this down.'" And so much of the time half of my client hours are filled up with such instruction.
Perhaps its because I'm a teacher at heart; (having finished an undergrad degree in Secondary Education, substituted in public high schools for a decade and a half, and having been given the privilege of serving as an adjunct professor in a local university, my alma mater, for several years).
And among the myriad of subjects my clients and I have "breezed through," one topic in particular applies to yours truly during this season of my life.
... Waiting for the next assignment.
If we "buy into" the context of the television series, "Touched by an Angel," (and I absolutely do) angels (and people) are assigned various tasks and roles by the Creator throughout the course of their lifetimes.
I mean, I have no doubt whatsoever that our Lord gave me a particular assignment almost a quarter of a century ago; an assignment I have fulfilled to the best of my ability.
For in the early 90's I began my preparation to become a pastoral counselor. And to be sure, I didn't do it in a haphazard, "willy-nilly" sorta way. For you see, having previously completed my bachelors degree, I registered for a masters in counseling, completed it, and ultimately finished a doctoral degree in the same career field.
For you see, I believe in, and am a strong advocate of Preparation. Preparation is as vital as Mission since Mission depends on Preparation. Without Preparation, there is no Mission.
And as a result of my Calling, and sound and thorough Preparation, I believe I have cooperated with God to do some mighty significant things; having counseled thousands, taught hundreds and mentored dozens, and experienced rich and lasting impact.
(And all glory to God, and none to myself).
But
... I seem to have "hit a brick wall" now. And that which I once loved and enjoyed has seemingly been "taken from my hand."
Over the course of the past couple of years my counseling ministry seems to have reached its culmination. And at the present time in my life neither am I involved in the formal intern program I once offered to promising young adults.
You've heard of "The pause that refreshes"? Well,
... NOT!
For you see, I am "taken up" with ministry. I've told some of my discipleship students that if I were denied the opportunity to impact other human beings, well, "I'd just dry up and blow away with the wind like a tumbleweed."
And lately, I find myself longing for something. Some formal or informal opportunity to impact people again.
And yet, in spite of this little season, (speaking of instruction, and a lesson to be learned) I think it is important to recall the decades which preceded Jesus' mission to God's people, the multiplied moments when he separated Himself from the masses and spent time alone with His heavenly Father, and the brevity of the ministry which was granted Him.
Our Lord knew something about "the pause that refreshes." And no doubt, He experienced similar moments to my own when He questioned why it was not given to Him to be making a difference, and impacting those round and about Him.
It helps to know, however, that for as long as spiritual people walk this good earth that our Creator will go right on giving them assignments; (with sundry and seasonal pauses along the way).
The pause that refreshes? Well, hardly. But I know, and I can be sure that whatever "hurry up and wait" time He builds into my journey
... has been built in for a reason. (And He may never offer me any understanding of that reason),
... and that this parched bit of tumbleweed will eventually sprout a bit of new growth.
By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 11
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