Summer Reflections

I know it's only midway through the summer and summer is supposed to be for fun and vacations, but this summer I have also been learning. Learning to live life to the fullest everyday. To not take a day for granted, and to not take any person in my life for granted. I have been learning to let go of fear and anxiety (this is a daily struggle). I have been learning to show grace towards others whether they deserve it or not. And I was reminded that God chooses the weak, the foolish, those who are least in this world and equips them to do his work. I am sure I have much more to learn and look forward to all that God continues to teach me this summer and beyond.

In my department at work we have had several coworkers lose family members this summer- five deaths in total that I am aware of in a department of about 30 people. About three weeks ago my friend, who is like a sister to me, was in a serious car accident which resulted in her going to the hospital and subsequently undergoing surgery and her dad's vehicle being totaled. And this past Sunday Haiti Mama lost a very precious little boy. Sometimes I ask God why. Why was my friend spared but not my coworkers 29 year old nephew. Why did she survive her accident but not him? Why did you allow this person who loved you so much to die or that person to lose their baby? I am sure there is someone wiser than I am who has a better answer to this question. All I can do is give my why's to God and trust in his sovereignty. This world is full of sin and I know that as long as we live in this world there will continue to be pain and suffering, that certainly wasn't God's plan. My trust is not a blind trust in "some God or power out there." But a faith in a God whom I've seen work powerfully in my life, my family's lives and the lives of others around me. It is a God who can turn sinners into saints. A love that runs so deep and wide that nothing can separate us from Him. Oh I hope those of you reading this know this love that I am talking about. 

It's not always easy to trust, especially when you don't have all the answers. There are moments when my eyes are off him and fear and doubt creep in. But I know even if I don't have all the answers, even if I don't have my life altogether, I know that I am deeply loved by a God who sent his Son Jesus to redeem my life for his. And that is why I live. I know that someday, I will be in heaven in the presence of my loving God where there is no more pain or sorrows.

So often I take a day for granted or the people in my life for granted. Too often I've taken God for granted. This summer, in the midst of the fun, I pray that God tunes all our hearts toward His. That we may enjoy each and every day that He gives us and live life to the fullest.