I was ordained on July 22nd, 2007. That was 13 years ago. Which means that my ministry has now hit its teen years.
I have now been a pastor for longer than I have lived in any one place. I haven’t been married for 13 years. I haven’t been a father for 13 years. Basically, the only other thing that I have done for 13 years or longer is lived. 
And so, my only frame of reference for 13 years of pastoral ministry is thinking back to 13 year old Jay. So I’m hoping that entering the teen years of my ministry are a little less awkward than my other teen years – but there also may be some apt comparisons. Thankfully I have a little better haircut than I did at 13 and less acne.
When I turned 13, I had just experienced I momentous shift in my world about three months before – we had moved from my home in the Philippines to find my new home in St. Louis. Likewise, “lucky 13” this year is marked by momentous changes that I’m attempting to deal with and figuring out my adjustments for the future.
And just like 13, I have a few lessons that I’ve learned, a whole lot more lessons to learn, and a bunch to be grateful for. Thank you, University Lutheran, for bringing me to my teen years and allowing me to learn. It hasn’t always been easy for you, I know. Thank you for your continued patience as you continue to allow me to learn the lessons that are ahead. Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your friendship both over the past 13 years and as we move into my teen years together.