So, it's been mentioned that my last post was a bit "dark." I was genuinely surprised to hear that, but when I went back to read it, I could see how the "just kill me now" part might have been a little scary. I mean, you know, I get that. :-)
For the record, my intent was to share the hope that I found in God's revelation of Himself as the one who is able to keep me from stumbling, but I probably got a little too graphic sharing the bad news before I made the turn into the great news. I'm still finding that line between being real/honest about who I am and making you uncomfortable to the point that you miss my point. Never fear, though, I'll keep at it. We have many more awkward moments to look forward to together to be sure! :-D
So, tonight, as I put last week to bed and anticipate the coming week, I am looking for the sunnier side of me, the lighter, brighter, happier daughter of the King (aka: Princess!). Therefore, I will tell you about things that made me smile in the midst of it all this week.
On Monday, the man I probably quote more often than any other, the infamous John Wills, found himself in Fort Worth and made time to visit over lunch. I think I will probably need to do an entire post about John's influence in my life, but suffice it to say that there is something inherently uplifting about being told that the very mention of your name brings a smile to someone's face. I shared with my college students this morning that the best thing John Wills ever taught me was to stop beginning sentences with, "well, I think ..." and instead to be able to say, "Well, the Bible says ..."
On Tuesday, the sister God's given me here in Fort Worth, Suzanne, went into labor with her first child. Waiting in anticipation for that special delivery brought many old friends into my life that evening. I found myself chatting with Dodie, on the phone with Jason and Gera, and texting updates to Jodi all at the same time. It was joyous.
Wednesday morning, I held sweet Ashlen Jenee for the first time and was in awe of God and his miraculous promise all over again. For truly, all the days ordained for her were written in His book before even one of them had come to pass. Amazing!
Wednesday evening, I had coffee with Carrie and was blessed with a special outpouring of God's grace as we talked through scripture together. How my spirit was refreshed in the presence of my "long haul" friend.
Thursday, Brenna, my very first friend when we moved to Plano in the 7th grade, introduced me to her very own pocket full of sunshine, Hailey. What a delight to share a meal with a friend with whom I've known so much history and to see the incredible mom she's become.
Sigh, maybe this excercise is more for me than you. You don't really care what I did all week, but even in the rehearsing of these blessings, my spirit is being lifted in praise to the One who made it all possible. "Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness." Psalm 37:3
I mean, I haven't even told you about my trip to the parole office, lunch with Taryn, coffee with Lindsay ... !!!
Am I not constantly preaching that God gives us grace for today, not next week, or even tomorrow? I am! One friend referred to His grace for today as "manna" tonight, and I liked that a lot. Yes, this week was full of a lot of painful things, but at each and every turn, there was enough grace to carry the day and an opportunity to lay down the burden and take up the joy.
This week, I will choose to put on a garment of praise to replace the spirit of despair, and to become a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor! (Isaiah 61:1-3)
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