Part of me can hardly believe it. It feels like just yesterday I was moving into college for the first time. Transitions are always difficult at first, but the other day I found myself really thankful for seasons, both physically and emotionally in all aspects of life. While thinking about this, I learned something: Seasons produce a type of gratitude that stagnation simply does not ignite. The little things I love and take for granted become so much more special when they don't occur 24/7, all year 'round. Seasons give way to new perspectives, insights, and growth.
Coming back to school, I find myself excited to experience all that God has in store for me over this next year. Thinking back to last August, it is crazy to recall all that God has done in my life in the past twelve months. Last year this time I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea what God had in store for me during my freshman year of college. He continued to blow my mind and open doors and lead me in the right direction one step at a time.
Last year, from my very first evening at the Naz, the hymn It is Well became the refrain of my year. It marked moment after moment and acted as a clear reminder of God's sovereignty and love and that He's got me in His arms. Lately, time and again He has been revealing to me and reminding me of His faithfulness, His character and the truth that He neither leaves us nor forsakes us, no matter how far we stray or how badly we blow it. As I was walking outside tonight, the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness ran through my mind. And I realized this just might be my song for Year Two.
I don't always do a great job of loving God. I get selfish, I think of me and only me, I forget all that He has done for me, I take the people He's given me for granted, I take His grace for granted, I act like a brat, and I mess up. But He's been showing me that through the ups and downs, despite my moods and selfishness, even when I've doubted His plans and let worry creep in, He remained faithful. He is always faithful.
What JOY that should instill in our hearts. The God of the universe, Who is the only constant in this crazy, messed up, whirlwind we call life, never leaves our side. He is always there, holding out His hand for us to take, no matter how many times we've hurt or rejected or disobeyed Him. He's still calling our name; He's still welcoming us with open arms; He's still whispering "I love you, My child;" He's still longing for us to simply take his hand.
Goodbyes are never easy. I am an extremely sentimental person and therefore hate them with a passion. But tonight, as I sat at my desk, the sounds of summer and crickets and happy voices mixed with the distant strumming of a ukulele drifting through the window, my heart found peace, contentment, and even joy. God takes pleasure in His people. He delights in them and appreciates their friendship. As I transition into another year, a new chapter filled with blank pages in which God will continue to write my story, I am thankful that I do not walk alone. I am thankful for the wonderful people He has given me to love and do life with. I am thankful for His faithfulness, for His constant companionship, and for His love. Oh how good it is to be loved by the God Who created me and knows everything about me and still loves me more than I could ever begin to imagine. Tonight, after another long, exhausting move-in day, I am thanking God through damp eyes and a full heart.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou for ever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
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