Stand and deliver

I'm constantly amazed by God's faithfulness to me and those around me. True, there's crap in the world and I've personally dealt with crap, but it's easier to deal with when you know that someone is in control and there is a reason for the madness. When going through difficult times, it's hard to see the light, but when you get those glimpses of sun light coming or when you finally get out of the darkness, the light is blinding and amazing.

Remember how I kept saying "this is the least stressful time of my life", well I am grateful for that time as it as prepared me for the past month (well, honestly, I'm still not stressed out). I have heard of and experienced more death, sickness, and problems in just the last month than I am used to, but I'm at peace with it. One thing I love about the Bible is that it doesn't say that everything is going to be great if you just believe in God, it gives reason for the crap in the world. It's beyond me why people fall into the "health and wealth" gospel, aren't they just constantly disappointed and feeling guilty?? We live in a fallen world with fallen people, it's going to be hard, but you're not alone and God is in control. Really, there's nothing that I can do on my own to change the junk and I'm thankful that is not all on me in my weakness.

There are many things to be thankful (and I really didn't mean this to be a "What are you thankful for on Thanksgiving?" post, honest). Being cynical about what you are not thankful for is not going to get you anywhere- well, I guess just depressed and pathetic. I fight cynicism almost daily- I want to hope and be encouraged! I'm thankful that I am here in the valley and I'm excited about what I'm doing in my job and the relationships I'm forming out here. I'm thankful for this little church that we're starting- it encourages me to be excited about church again and it's freeing me to think and feel how God leads me without fear of judgement. I'm thankful for my friends and family wherever they might be (in life and the world) at the moment. I love that I have so many great people in my life doing amazing and different things, you spur to move forward and evolve. I'm thankful for changes and beauty, so thankful to see the sunrise and sunset over the snowcapped mountains everyday!

I'm remembering last thanksgiving, biking to work on the surprisingly deserted streets of Chicago. I am thankful for that time, I loved biking around that city and I did like my job. You never know what is going to happen when you free yourself from expectation and obligation!