It’s always nice to quiet down and take time to reflect. I appreciate so much the still moments when I can ponder life or journal and go to God in prayer. I tend to think a lot. I observe things and take note. I write. I reason…
It’s been an interesting few months for Derek and me. Wild and full and unlike any other time in our lives. We’ve had new and good things happen (for which I’m so grateful!), and we’ve been met with some hard moments and challenges that only by the grace of God were we able to remain steadfast, strengthened by His word and His promises. It finally looks like we are coming out of that season, but my goodness… I am simply thankful that no matter what we face, we serve a God who never forsakes us. He is faithful.
That’s one of the things I’ve thought about lately: God’s faithfulness. How He never ceases to be who He says He is and to fulfill the promises He has given us through His Word. It’s an assurance I do not take for granted in a world where everything can change so quickly. I love that I can look back on my life and see Him in my story. That I can still praise Him and feed on His faithfulness (Psalm 37: 3) when things get tough. To know that we are seen and loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father is a truth that anchors our hearts and minds when life’s waves try to toss us about.
Which leads me to the Holy Spirit. Our Helper. The One who comforts us, renews our minds through the Word, reminds us of truth, and empowers us to live free, whole, and holy. What an incredible gift God has given us! When Jesus left this world, He didn’t leave us alone in it. No, He gave us a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:13).
Besides all of this, it’s been nearly three weeks since I hopped off instagram, and I haven’t hated it one bit! Remember when social media was a lot less stuff and far less complicated? Gone are the days! Too often, we can become distracted and overwhelmed by the noise there. SO many emotionally-fueled posts and opinions. So much that vies for your attention. It be can be helpful or harmful, depending on what you allow in; but it has been my observation that many are far more engaged there than they should ever be or than what is healthy, and it takes its toll. I’m not one to constantly engage, but even what I was taking in was more than enough for me. I was ready for a break.
So, please excuse me while I simplify things and get back to what I enjoy most: good, old-fashioned writing! To simply share here with more clarity and heart and direction than I’ve had for quite some time. To be fully immersed in real life with the people I see each day and in the work God directs me toward.
