It's What's In the Middle that Counts

In the beginning, it’s scary. In the end, it’s sad. It’s what’s in the middle that counts.

I had not thought about that quote in such a long time, but recently it has been stuck in my head. I heard it for the first time while working for the YMCA as a camp counselor. With every staff meeting that we had, we would all come together and say that to end each meeting. Every time I would say it, I would always ponder on its real meaning. Was it only meant for our time together for the summer? Or was it meant for our lives in general? I’ve been processing that quote in my quiet time for several months now and I am excited to share how it has impacted my life. 

Graduating college can be an exciting period in your life as well as a scary one. You receive several pats on the back and congrats from friends and family, but then it’s always followed by the question, “What’s next?” That is a question that none of us are ready to hear and accept. I know I was not ready to hear that question at the time because I knew so much was already changing in my life. I remember thinking I was never going to figure out what I was going to do next until the answer was revealed to me. 

My last week as an intern with the production team, Carson allowed us college seniors to just attend our last Overflow message of the year, and boy, was it one that was needed. Our college pastor Clay was going through a series called “Jehovah Jireh: God Who Provides.” In this specific message, it was the last night of the series and Clay covered Psalm 23. In this Psalm, verse 4 states, 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” 

I continued to reflect on this verse while I was applying for jobs and God reminded me that He is going to put me in the position that I need to be in at the right time.

Now, you may be wondering, “What about the quote I stated earlier?”

“In the beginning, it’s scary.” I realized that in the new beginnings I was going through in life that I was afraid of and felt very alone in, God was preparing me for my next adventure. “In the end, it’s sad.” I don’t know what God has planned for me for the future, but I do know that “it’s what’s in the middle that counts,” that God is continuing to use me in the place that I am in right now to spread His love and joy to everyone. I know once I am through this season, I will not feel scared in the beginning because God will pave the path for my life.

Walker Jewell

“Beginnings are usually scary, endings are usually sad, but it's what's in the middle that counts. So when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up. And it will.”

Steven Rogers, Hope Floats: The Screenplay

Walker interned with the Production Team in the 2020-2021 school year, and graduated in May 2021. He continues to serve as a Video Director and Camera-op. Walker is everyone’s best friend and cheer leader. He has a heart for making sure everyone is included and leads from that place. He is a key player in helping create a healthy culture throughout our team. – The Learning Together Team