Therapy

This evening I went to therapy. You see, recently I have realized my need for a little soul searching and in order to process things, we often need help. Tonight was a good time for me to reflect, refocus, as well as relax. My session helped me to put away many of my anxious thoughts and simply enjoy living. My therapy was not something that I dreaded as most people may. My session was also relatively cheap in comparison to some ($50 less than the folks from Alabama sitting next to me). My therapy was a group meeting with approximately 33, 800 people in attendance. My therapy was a baseball game, but not just any baseball game. It was the match-up between the Red Sox and the Yankees at Fenway Park.

This week marks one year since I arrived in Boston. Of course, when I came here last May I wasn't fully intending to stay. I was open to the idea, but also willing to move to a number of places. It has been a good transition, but lately I've been questioning where I am in life. Things haven't exactly happened the way that I had hoped, and I'm feeling a little lost these days.

These doubts led me to a right field Grandstand seat with a beer in one hand and a Fenway Frank in the other. I sat there for a moment, just taking it all in. I had arrived late and the Sox were already down by three, but that didn't matter in that particular minute. I had come alone - just needed to get away. I'm not even sure my roommates or any of my friends knew that I was there. Ironically, the seat next to me remained vacant for the entire game, but I didn't feel lonely. I sat there as the blue sky faded and the sun set behind the Green Monster. The chant of "Let's Go Red Sox!" and the booing of Yankee players (especially Damon), put a smile on my face - I love this town! I enjoy the people.

When I met with my pastor yesterday one of the questions he asked me was concerning why I was staying here when it seems as though things aren't moving forward with the youth ministry (or anything else in my life). I paused and thought about my answer. Then I spoke about my desire to press on and not give up. I see such a great need in this area for Christians to serve the community and be a light of hope. As I looked around the ballpark tonight I saw a lot of people, men and women, who really like baseball. They cheer and yell for players they don't know personally but they place their faith in them each inning. I sat there wondering how many of these people know and love Jesus. How many of them have heard the good news of God's love and grace?

I have a purpose in being in New England and living my life for the eternal hope of glory here in this community! May God help me, my parents, and my friends understand why it is that I am in the place where I am (both physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually). My therapy session tonight helped me clear my head and renew my attitude (even though the Sox couldn't pull it out when they had chances). I wouldn't mind going to another session real soon!

Wally is a great listener!