Mary drove to school today.

 

The day began like any other day, she assembled her backpack, clarinet, and music, but then she grabbed her keys and walked out the door. Another mile-marker in her life has been reached.

 

For the past 15 plus years, our family has celebrated several mile-markers with Mary and Jonathan as we serve as the resident family at the 2:8 House.  As part of the ministry, we share those experiences with the students involved at the time.

 

As I reflect on this mile-marker, I am reminded of the many Godly young women who have invested their lives into Mary. Thank you, Courtney, Nancy, Jennifer, Ching-Mei, Lisa, Savannah, Cherith, Bekah, Catie, Danielle, Anita and so many others. Thank you Lizzie for encouraging Mary as she transitioned into youth group. Rest assured, Mary continues the process by encouraging younger girls in the group.

 

Mary's testimony has become a living witness to 2 Timothy 2:2, "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others" (NLT).

 

This is a process that we embrace as a 2:8 House family. We invest in the lives of students from around the world. Each student is a son or daughter created by God. Each person is equipped with unique gifts, talents and abilities. Each one is drawn into a loving relationship with his/her Creator.

 

We get the honor to participate in the process. Thanks be to God.

 

Next month, we will be visiting a couple different University campuses as Mary considers where to attend college. While she may be here at the University of Oklahoma, we understand that God may have other plans. As she considers this next mile-marker in her life, we know that God will lead her. He will go on before her just as He has done for the past 16 years.

 

As she continues to dream and pursue her next milepost, we will continue to love and reach students with the gospel of God and our own lives, too. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

 

Did I mention, Mary drove herself to school today?