Yesterday was a second day of conference attendance.  Thursday had been the conference day to focus a church on being a safe place for the LBGT to find spiritual support and help when they want to step away from their inner turmoil of temptation.  Yesterday was a day conference regarding the secular work I do in the education world.  It was all about helping the schools/districts who have failed three years in a row in meeting their student learning goals and what our work with them is to look like.  I was realizing this morning that in both cases people are feeling like failures.  God is preparing us to step into their world to give them hope and direction which God has already prepared.  In each case, one can find real freedom if they are committed to making changes in how they live out each day.  One is spiritual guidance and one is secular but God is showing me that He sees all of it as His Spiritual Work.  I am to see it this way too and actually I do.

Last night as I got home from the second day of conference attendance and I was mentally exhausted.  Kathy and I were to go to a party hosted by a couple in our church which would just be playing a game neither of us had played.  It turned out to be so much fun.  We didn’t get home until after midnight and that is at least two hours later than a normal night’s bedtime for me.  Today I feel the effects of it but I also know there is hopefully naptime built into the afternoon.  It was a nice reprieve from the two days and now I can let God show me how and where He is wanting me to begin work from the direction He has provided.

Last night was a good reminder of God’s Grace.  Not so long ago I’d have been nervous the entire night with so many people being present I didn’t know and in very close quarters.  However, Kathy and I simply had an enjoyable evening meeting people and laughing with them.  God is helping me see how my past doesn’t need to be a wall separating me from others, especially men.  I can use it for God as a tool to help others know this freedom I’m finding is also equally available for them.