friday, friday

Inspired by Rebecca Black I am so so excited for friday!  After a long and arduous week full of tests (both in school and in life) I am so grateful that it is finally friday.  This friday is a day of many reflections over the roller-coaster ride that was the past week.

This week I realized that my teammates have my back and are watching out for me.  I am truly blessed to be a part of that family (no matter how dysfunctional it may be at times).

I realized that I love technology, no other way would I be able to learn about the struggles in Japan and the Middle East while looking up the latest viral youtube and catching up with old friends.

I realized that without God as my shepherd this week I would be struggling to stay afloat, but in Him and with His Spirit I am able to see the joy in life and take heart.

I realized today that no matter how far away God may seem, He is never ever away from my presence.  When it seems like He is on the other end of the universe and I am frustrated with Him beyond measurement, I tend to turn away from Him.  "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29).  In those moments of desperation and fear I will find God with me even then, in my darkest hour.  All I have to do is look and listen.

I have tried the whole listening more to God this week and lo and behold, it made all the difference in the world.  Through these trials I have heard His comfort in the strong gusts of wind rushing off of the lake.  I have heard Him express His love for me through music.  I have heard His anguish and sadness over my departure from His side in the thunderstorms.  Little by little I am learning how to listen.

Lord, I pray that I forevermore listen to your little nuances throughout my days.  I pray that I have constant reminders of love and compassion for me.  Lord, bless me and keep me, uphold me with your righteous right hand.  I am so grateful for the wonders you have done in my life this past week. Amen.