Hearing The Voice of God By Mary Owens
Entering into my fellows year I had very high expectations for what I hoped my fellows community would bring. I longed for a group of friends who could walk alongside me and help me navigate this transitional time of life. Little did I know that I would be surrounded by a community of believers who would not only walk alongside me, but would help me learn to love myself.
Early in the fellows year one of our teachers encouraged us to listen to one another. To point out things that we noticed about each other along the way. I think we have done a really great job of uplifting each other and pointing out the things we love about each other. Through the series of personality tests we've taken, the theological discussions we partake in, and just spending quality time with each other; we have gotten to know each other in a really unique way. We hear each others doubts and questions, we navigate work, home life, and the ever scary unknown that is our future side by side.
As I have been trying to discern the lord's calling for me vocationally; I stopped for a moment to think about what my friends say about me. What do they notice, appreciate, and point out about me? What do they see that I don’t? Upon this reflection I started to realize that there were several things I kept hearing over and over again. Things that I had never considered to be special or unique. I have never really taken the time to think about the specific set of skills the lord has given me, the ways in which only I can serve those around me and glorify the Lord. It wasn't until I stopped to listen that I finally heard what the lord has been trying to tell me for a long time. As christians I feel as though it is our duty to call out the glory that we see in our brothers and sisters. Helping others see their glory helps us see the glory that God sees in us.
Being a fellow has been a blessing in more ways than I can describe. The relationships I have cultivated thus far have been sweeter than I could’ve imagined. I don't think my fellow Fellows even realize how much they impact me everyday. They speak truth to me that I didn’t even know I needed to hear. God uses people in our lives everyday to communicate his messages to us. We just have to listen.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
