thoughtful tuesday.

it's been a while!

my first semester is winding down,

and it's the first day of spring.

today i was reading my bible, and i found this:

"who can straighten what he has made crooked?

when times are good, be happy;

but when times are bad, consider:

God has made the one as well as the other.

Therefore, a man cannot discover

anything about his future."

- Ecclesiastes 7:13 - 14

God has made today.

He has blessed me with this amazing weather,

my time to study for finals,

my sweet friend, lauren,

who is the perfect study date,

and Krankie's,

a coffee shop perfect for studying 

[and who has outdoor seating!].

i think about that verse that i fell upon today,

and i think about the "why's" that i've asked God lately.

why is this happening? 

why am i having to learn this?

why do i feel alone in this new city?

why don't i have peace with disorganization around me?

and i feel like a 5-year-old when God answers me 

with this verse, as if saying, "because I said so."

and i straighten up my posture and thank Him.

and my why's now turn to,

why would i want the straight and narrow?

why should i expect to learn anything from an easy path?

why should i expect to grow without any zigs or zags?

 i don't need to know anything about my future.

i don't need to squint far off into the horizon.

i need to rest in Him.
and i need to look to Him.

and know that He has already been through today.

He knows what it looks like.

and my yesterdays turned out ok,

so why wouldn't my tomorrows?

i want to be thankful for more things.
and recognize the blessings and gifts he has given me,
and entrusted me with!
so i am going to challenge myself
[and you!]
to slow down and live fully 
right where you are.


read this book,
one thousand gifts,
by ann voskamp,
if you have time.
but if you don't, 
celebrate each day with three things you are thankful for,
and reap the blessings that God will bestow you with.

 . . . keep shining . . .