As I finish up my time with the Pharmacy faculty I’ve printed out a bunch of photos of the students to give to the new Pharmacy Howie. I’ll write a blurb about each person so that the new Howie can get a head start in remembering names and praying. I feel great excitement at the prospect of doing this; handing these people over to someone else who will grow to love them as I have. But at the same time, I selfishly don’t want someone other than me to be their staff-worker.

The tension between these feelings has reminded me to dwell on three particular truths.

1. God has really grown these people, not me.

It is an absolute privilege and joy for me to reflect on the last two years and see how the students have grown and changed. To see people grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord. It’s tempting for me to take credit for the fruit I have seen, but I must remember that it is only through God’s powerful Spirit that this growth is possible.

2. These people don’t need me.

I’m realising that these students have become very dear to me, and I am touched that many of them reciprocate this. But it’s important for me to remember that while we care about each other, we don’t need each other. More particularly, they don’t need me. They will be just fine (probably even better) with a new Howie; and most of all, they are absolutely fine in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. These people are not mine, this ministry is not mine…

… they are God’s. My sinful heart is prone to be possessive of these things. It’s important for me to remember that there have been a sweep of Pharmacy Howies before me, and God-willing, there will be a sweep of Howies to come. This ministry doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to the Lord, and so I can leave it safely in his hands, where it has always been, and trust him to work powerfully through other people.

These are the things I must remember as a finishing Howie. All glory be to Christ.