“Again and again and again and again You rescued me out of the mess I was in You traded my sorrow for something to sing Now, I’m dancing on the grave that I once lived in” Might be a week late, but it’s allowed me to chew on what to share about the Beach Retreat 2024. And these are the lyrics that’s floated around my head since the final session service a week ago. Again and again and again... I feel like it’s easy to discount your walk with God compared to that of the “sinless” Christian. Like we enter a convenient relationship with God where we understand that Jesus died for our sins past, present, and future, but somehow when those sins appear in our future, we so easily question the strength of that relationship. Doesn’t matter that Proverbs 24:16 tells us that the righteous man continually falls and gets back up, we easy believe the devil’s lie that we just aren’t good enough to represent our Lord and Savior. I’ve messed up million of times, in a million ways, yet again and again and again my Lord and Savior has rescued me from every mess I was and will be in. That’s the biggest thing I’ve taken from this year’s Beach Retreat. Sanctification isn’t easy but God is constantly to my rescue, continually molding me more and more to the image of Him. This was a year marked by thankfulness. Thankfulness to continue to see God moving in the lives of students and leaders. Thankfulness to serve the Kingdom and develop disciples. Thankfulness to see my wife serve the Kingdom and develop disciples. Thankfulness to serve along amazing leaders and friends. Thankfulness for every edifying and God led conversation and interaction. Thankfulness for the Holy Spirit that is the advocate for my life. Another beach retreat with the same God who will do it again and again and again. Until next time.