Sometimes you need to take off your glasses in order to clearly see

I started my first seminary class this weekend.
I wanted to start my class off right and we live sort of close to the campus so I biked there...in the rain...in the dark.
Things you need to bike to class in the rain:

• Timbuk2 Laptop messenger bag (semi waterproof)
• North Face rain jacket (waterproof)
• Specialized Road Bike
• Blackburn Flea LED bike lights
• Towel and extra shirt (I know this now)

Things that are not helpful to bike to class in the rain:

• Jeans
• A 30lb bag
• Cars
• Glasses

I learned many lessons just on that bike ride. I braved the weather, got to campus, locked my bike , and after spending about 10 minutes wiping sweat form my body with paper towels in the bathroom, I sat down in my first official seminary class.

The class is filled with young, old, and older people. Men and women, but mostly men. Retired navy pastors, chaplains, and people who don't know why they are there, but only one youth leader...me. I am excited to change any stereotypes about how serious youth leaders take their call to ministry.

I am taking a class called Person of the Christian Leader. What I learned on my bike ride and from the mind and heart bending concept that the professor is teaching us about leadership is that sometimes you need to take your glasses off in order to clearly see. While on my bike ride, I realized that the rain droplets and fog were hindering my sight and if I just took off my glasses I could see even better than leaving them on. I am entering uncharted territory and discussing leadership in a way that is not common in today's world. I might just need to think about my relationship with God, others, my calling in youth ministry, and my calling as a leader in a totally different way. Even though I might not be able to see everything with perfect sight, I am seeing them better than I have seen them in the last 9 years of leadership. God is confirming why I am on this journey, and I am thankful that He has brought me to this place. Totally worth it!