The 8 ½ Things I’ve Learned In My 8 ½ Years in Pittsburgh

On December 19th of 2003 the Watts family rolled into Pittsburgh.  During our time here I have had the privilege of meeting many great people and serving at three great churches.  Below are some of the key things that came to mind as I reflected on what God has taught me during my time in "The Burgh".

1. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME

It was God who brought my family and I to Pittsburgh, and it has been God who has sustained us and taken care of us during these past 8 ½ years.  If we will keep our eyes on God and not go ahead of Him, He will always prove faithful!

2. DON’T BURN RELATIONSHIP BRIDGES

Often times a person burns a relational bridge when they feel they have been hurt or wronged by someone.  All of us will inevitably hurt or wrong someone either intentionally or unintentionally at some point during our lifetime.  However, to burn a relational bridge is to say that God is incapable of bringing reconciliation and restoration to that relationship.  This in-turn puts God in a box, and goes against His very nature and purposes.  I admit that I have burned a few bridges, some of which I regret.  It is much easier to fix a bridge than to have to totally rebuild it.  Typically once a bridge has been burned it doesn’t get rebuilt. 

3. TRUTH WINS

Luke 8:17 says, “For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all”.  I have seen this verse play out time and time again not only in my 8.5 years in Pittsburgh but throughout my lifetime.  Truth always wins, and lies are always exposed.   With this in mind, if we will walk in truth and trust in God, we need not worry about defending ourselves against lies, or in times of oppression because God will inevitably reveal what is TRUTH and what is NOT.

4. MOM WAS RIGHT; TIME GOES FAST, & BEFORE YOU KNOW IT YOUR KIDS WILL BE ALL GROWN UP

When we arrived in Pittsburgh my children were 4 and 9 respectively.  Man, has that time flown by!  I am thankful for the time my family and I have had in Pittsburgh and am thankful God has kept my children safe during our time here.  I look forward to seeing what God has us as we move on from here!

5. THE DIFFICULT TIMES CAN MAKE YOU STRONGER

Be it physical, relational, spiritual, or mental, difficulties are a part of life.  And I readily admit that many of the difficulties I have experienced over the years have been “self-inflicted” either from poor choices, anger, being hurt, or otherwise.   However, it is through the difficult times and the hard times that we learn, grow, and become stronger..."when” and “if” we will allow God to shape and mold us during these times.  The question shouldn’t be “God, why am I going through this?”  Rather it should be, “God, what do you have for me to learn through this?” 

6. PEOPLE DESIRE A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND OTHER CHRISTIAN’S; BUT THEY WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH CHURCH POLITICS OR CHURCH DRAMA

I truly believe that people are looking for hope and are open to a relationship with Jesus Christ.  However, what keeps them away from it is often times what they see from those of us who claim to be Christ followers.   If people want drama or politics they can get cable.

7. HURTING PEOPLE DO HURTFUL THINGS

I often think of this concept when I am at a restaurant and happen to get the “grumpy” waitress.  What we don’t often take into consideration is the humanness of that person who might be going through a divorce, having a hard time with their kids, or unable to pay their bills.  Instead, we let their hurtfulness affect us to the point of wanting to hurt them back which solves absolutely nothing.  So the next time someone does something to hurt you, gets angry with you, or gets “snippy” with you, ask yourself, “What is it that they might be going through?”  I have even begun to use these situations to ask someone, “Is there anything I can be praying for you about?”  

8. PITTSBURGH IS A GREAT CITY

Pittsburgh is a great city full of great people and great potential!  I love going “dawn tawn” and visiting the strip district, catching a Pirate’s game, or getting a hot dog at the Big O in Oakland.  I love the bridges, the hills, the beautiful spring, summer, and fall.  And yes, I love the snow! (Until about February)  And I love the people that God has allowed me to do ministry with, live life with, cry with, and rejoice with!  And of course I love the Steelers, a yummy Primanti Brothers sandwich, and places like McConnell’s Mill State Park.  I could literally go on and on- on this one!  

½. I AM STILL LEARNING EVEN TODAY

So much to learn and so little time!  I try to begin each day by asking the question, “God, what do you have for me to learn from this day you have given me?”

God is still molding me and shaping me, and preparing me to be all that He has for me to be and to do.  That gets me excited!  Thank you Lord for your provision and grace!  I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me next!!

Be blessed!!

Christian Watts