Life's Journey

As some of you know from Luther's recent post the past few weeks have been rather challenging for me. I feel compelled to rest in God's spirit and am reminded that ultimately therein lies my peace.

My cousin recently died this past Wednesday, he was a man under 50 with two young boys , he was someone who had faced a lot of challenges in the past few years himself. His death was sudden and a shock to the entire family. My family asked me to give the eulogy, it was difficult, however prior to them even making this request God was preparing to speak and He gave me the words the night before the service as  I sat by my aunt's gold fish pond. I listened to the water flow and God's spirit spoke to my heart in how best to remember my cousin and how best to provide some words of comfort to my family and to remind them that He is there to bear their burdens. The passages He gave me were from Psalm 55 and Hebrews 4.

The main message that God gave me was that He is here to bear our burdens for us without question, so these past few weeks as I have been battling various situations I am reminded to give these challenges and burdens to God. With that I want to remind you whatever you are dealing with this week lay your burden down at Jesus altar, because He is not a high priest who does not understand us, but one who has felt our burdens and is there to take them from us as we lay them at his feet.

In this I am reminded of life's journey and that none of us know how long any of have in this life and therefore it is important to not get so caught up in the destination, but in the journey. By this I mean we often start our Mondays and say I can't wait until Friday , or I can't wait until vacation. Which don't get me wrong I love preparing for a trip, spending time with family or friends , or a special outing like a play or concert. However if we live each day waiting on vacation we are not getting the most out of life and this journey. We went to a restaurant several years ago in Charleston and their motto was "attitude is everything", and I think this quote is so true. For example when we were waiting to leave to go Philadelphia our flight was delayed and everyone was frustrated but most everyone had a good attitude we conversed with one another a grandmother played games with a small child, I met a family from France. The point is this not everyday is a trip to Grand Canyon, but what can you find in this day to be grateful for, who can you help, what is something you can enjoy. The point is this the journey is about the little things like having your favorite creamer in your coffee, letting someone in front of you at the check out counter, and grateful to be able to put your hands to good use or earn an income.

I am beginning my journey to nursing school, and I could feel overhwhelmed or get caught up in dates and numbers, but I believe God has told me take your time and do your best, it is about your becoming a good nurse not just becoming a nurse, not being in a hurry, not appreciating where I am right now in my family, my career, etc.

As we prepare to go to Swaziland this is a huge journey and we are still raising money, and in prayer for our service to God and our health. But as we prepare we are on another journey one of faith, believing that we will recieve the funds for our trip to Swaziland. One of a higher purpose, realizing that it is a gift that God has called to this place at this time in our life and to seek God for his guidance as we minister to the people of Swaziland. And to realize the capacity of God's heart to give us, to give me a love a heart for people an ocean away that I have never met yet, and to realize that this life is so much bigger than me, and that God is so much greater than me. And with that I must trust and rest in him for this and each day of my journey.

Trust and obey, trust and obey .