I have spent the last few weeks reflecting on my journey this year. New town, new job, new students, new house, new church, new friends, new neighbourhood, new teammates, new challenges and a new "mission".
It's not that I regret my move, but I do miss being a part of my family's "mission". We were not "sent" or "commissioned" by a church to undertake four years of service in the Australian outback, but we felt it was our "mission" and God's calling to be in Central Australia.
My wife and three sons have had times this year we could easily have jumped back in the car or plane and headed back to Alice Springs. I really enjoyed my work there. I felt I was doing something significant. I sometimes felt like a conquering hero coming back to the east coast because people would take the time to catch up, make time to see us and be eager to listen to my stories and journey.
The miraculous circumstances in securing a job and buying a house on the Sunshine Coast is a story of God's provision in itself, and my new "mission" field (the students, the parents and teachers of my new school) has given me wonderful opportunities to share my life and the good news about God.
I feel that not many people want to hear these new stories, about my new "mission", the tragic lives of some of the students in my care, the difficulties I have communicating Jesus, the challenges I face every day.
However, it's the same problems, just different colour.
My worth and work as a communicator of the gospel does not come from human accolades and kudos, even thought I do like a bit of encouragement now and then! My worth and work as a communicator of the gospel comes from God and doing what He has called me to do.
With only three weeks left until I begin Christmas holidays (gee, I get it good!), I sincerely feel that after a year in my new "mission" field, I am only just beginning my new "mission".
Perhaps there have been many missed opportunities this year, but I have not yet begun…again.
May you also never be satisfied or complacent in and with your "mission". There is no point in revelling in past glories or achievements. There is nothing wrong with past moves or revivals, but when and where will the next revival in your heart, mind and soul take place?
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6 verse 9 NIV)
Russell Modlin teaches English and Physical Education at a Christian School on the Sunshine Coast. He is married to Belinda and they have three children.
Russell Modlin's archive of previous article can be found at www.pressserviceinternational.org/russell-modlin.html