The quote above opens one of my favorite podcasts. It reminds me that life can be full of adventure and unexpected turns, BUT the companion of the journey makes the experience worth every step.
The other day I woke up in a panic.
The list of things to do felt insurmountable and I didn't know how I was going to complete all those tasks with a worn-out body exhausted from the heat.
I felt the Lord gently guide my eyes upward to him. "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." ~Colossians 3:2
It is a verse that has come back to mind many times in the last few months.
I am adjusting to a new culture, a new language, a new profession, a new life stage, a new environment, new people, and so many other changes! I am planning a wedding, preparing for a marriage, planning, learning, and praying. Sometimes my mind is drawn to fear. Fear of messing up. Fear of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing. Fear of offending others unintentionally. Fear of not loving well.
When those moments come, the Lord gently reminds me to look UP.
When I "look up" (sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally), I see my beautiful Savior holding the hand of a little girl...me. "I am right here with you," he reminds me (Matthew 28:20).
I have a Father who is the Creator of the World (Genesis 1:1). I have a Savior who has volunteered to cover me with His righteousness if I trust Him with my sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). I have a Holy Spirit who is interceding for me (Romans 8:26-27). I have nothing to fear (Isaiah 41:10).
As we reach the final days of the beautiful season of engagement and approach the beginning days of a lovely season of marriage, I want to keep my eyes focused on the One who loved me first and the One who loves me best (1 John 4:7).
16 days!
