"Don't Cry Because It's Over, Smile Because It Happened."

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." -Dr. Seuss

Faith family, this is not an easy piece to write about, but I must do so. It is with a mixed bag of joy, sorrow, hope and gratitude that I inform you that I am stepping down from the youth ministry position here at St. Thomas Aquinas. This was a difficult decision to come to, but one I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to make. I hope someday you, yes, you reading this, and I can sit down on a patio together sipping sweet tea (which is always so much more delicious in the summer) and I can share the marvelous story with you of how  God guided me through this decision. It has all the essential elements to make a great story: mystery, suspense, humor and an important moral at the end! It really is quite wonderful.

I will be leaving the position here at the end of June to seek out another adventure, my main hope being going on to graduate school so I can pursue a degree in marriage and family therapy. I don't know where God will ultimately lead me, but I trust entirely in His Divine Providence that good things will happen not only in my life but also in the life of the ministry here at St. Thomas Aquinas.

I have learned so much from all of you during my time here! The friendships I've made, the relationships I've formed have changed me so deeply and I am sad to be departing from such a wonderful family! You've been with me through the ups and the downs of the last few years and all I can say is: thank-you.

Thank-you for the smiles.

Thank-you for the tears of joy.

Thank-you for listening to me tell the same old stories time and time again.

Thank-you for never giving up on me, even when I felt tempted to give up on myself.

Thank-you for helping me study and grow in the school of love.

As we all collectively move forward, I ask you simply remember the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." You all will be greatly missed but instead of looking at this as a parting of ways, I'd much rather consider it a, "See you soon!" Know that you all will forever and always continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and I humbly ask that you would also keep me in yours!

Forever indebted to your love,

John