My chaplaincy training is going well. I have been blessed with a great instructor and I am working with some wonderful chaplains and fellow students.  The program is very enjoyable and educational.  During our classroom activities this week, we explored our upbringing and personal histories.  The exercise is meant to help us understand why we tend to relate to others in certain ways and why we react to stressful situations the way we do.  The ultimate goal is to help us become better care givers and equip us to become better ministers.

All of the exercises and assignments to this point have served to remind me how greatly the Lord has blessed me throughout my life. He has helped me to overcome some difficult obstacles and has protected me and guided me in some wonderful ways during my journey.  He has prepared me for this chaplaincy program in a myriad of ways.  Much of my training over the years has been a great foundation for some of the rules and regulations we are to follow, how we are to interact with patients and staff, and even the way we are required to log our visits with the patients.  When I look back over the years, I can see how well the Lord has not only provided for me and protected me but also how He has led me, guided me and shaped me.  He has prepared me for where I am this very day.  Oh my goodness, God has been good to me.  When I consider these things I am reminded of the prayer of blessing at the end of the book of Hebrews.

Heb 13:20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

I know that am not “complete” yet.  I know I still have some learning and growing to do.  But I also know that the God of peace who raised Christ from the dead is at work within me!  He will help me; He will keep continue to work in me and through me.  He has led me and guided over the years, I do not expect that He will stop now.  He has too much invested in me.  He gave His Son for me.  To Him be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.