Everyone's journey essential in God's plan

Thirteen years ago this month I started on a journey when I accepted my first full-time position at St. Joseph in Macon, Ga. Up until that time I had lived my entire life in Texas, and all but three years in Dallas. I felt that God was calling me to ministry but I was very unsure about leaving my home, my family and my friends. 
I visited Dallas a few weeks back and was blessed to have dinner with a friend with whom I had taught religious education before I left on my journey. It had been a couple of years since we had spoken at length and we had a great conversation catching up on where we are in life and remembering our time teaching our faith to children. It is always great to catch up with friends but it also reminds me of what I left behind when I started on my journey which has taken me to a lot of different places and introduced me to many different people.
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Mt 10:40
Over the past couple of years I have reflected on what I have missed out on versus what I have gained and a common theme is the people. I missed out on spending time with people I have known for a long time and deepening those relationships. I have met many people across a wide spectrum that I would not have met if I had stayed in Dallas. I think both paths would have served God, but I believe the path that was chosen was essential in strengthening my faith through the witness of the people I have encountered and the opportunities presented to me. God knows the plan all along but I have to live it in order to experience His love through His people. On many occasions I have wondered if God chose wisely on some of the responsibilities He handed me, but looking back I can see the wisdom in how He prepared me to meet those responsibilities. It might even be something small in my life or a brief encounter with a specific person, but it all works together for the greater glory of God.
I also reflect on the many wonderful opportunities to experience the larger Catholic Church on many different levels. I do not think I would have experienced very many of these opportunities if I had stayed in Dallas. My world was expanded. I have visited hundreds of parishes, multiple dioceses, regional and national events, and two World Youth Days. Each one of these experiences has been instrumental in growing my faith and developing my ministry. God knew the bigger plan while I was living the plan one encounter at a time. 
As I look back on the last thirteen years I am very thankful for all that I have received and realize the great responsibility for sharing the Catholic faith with others because of all that I have received. Everyone’s journey is unique but essential in God’s plan. It is only in hindsight that we can see a small part of God’s plan and how we fit into His plan. Enjoy your journey and experience the large events and small moments with joy and gratitude to a loving God who embraces us every day of our life.
— Tex Phelps is the Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Mobile. He may be emailed at [email protected]
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