Lately I've been overwhelmed by God's grace and provisions for my life. It seems cliché, but I have friends and family that I love. I have made the choice to recognize how huge that blessing is in my life.
I sit and watch the news, like most of you, and pray for the end to all the pain. Whether it's a mother losing her child to a senseless murder or hatred being thrown toward other humans because of their religion, race, sexual orientation, gender, nationality or social status; it's all sad to me. But in the middle of the grief, I'm always reminded there is joy. Joy for them, you, and me. The joy of knowing the Lord and His promises.
I have unspeakable joy and sometimes it brings me to tears. It's easy to be single and complain. Humans are fallible. Extremely so at times. So when I'm hurt, I process that hurt. I pinpoint what about the action or inaction of another person has caused me pain. Then I release it to God. Sometimes that means I never have to do anything, except forgive. Other times, it means I wait for God to guide me in my actions after. But what it doesn't do, is steal my joy. I remain content that God can handle anything. I know this because I've witnessed Him do it over and over again in my life and others.
During the extended periods of hurt and pain, He uses me and strengthens my faith in Him. It's humbling to realize he trust me enough to allow me to experience strife, knowing I will continue to follow Him. He places people in my life to help me endure in those lower moments. He's given me parents whose love is always there. I have siblings who I can call anytime. My friends keep multiplying. I see all those blessings as God's way of giving me a hug when I need it. I love hugs!
I made the choice to accept Christ into my heart over 30 years ago, and it remains the absolute best choice I've ever made in my life.
