Catching up

The last week or so feels like a whirlwind! I haven't really been doing that much, but a little bit of travel these days seems to throw me for quite a loop. Last week in a matter of 2 and a half days I flew to Texas, then Alabama and then drove all the way back. It was a crazy trip but so worth it. We had two work events going on - a fundraiser in Texas and then an Afterdark event in Alabama at Troy University. It was a great event and our last of the semester. The best part of the trip was getting to stop and see my friend Sara in Birmingham! Sara and I were co-counselors at Kanakuk 6 years ago and have become such great friends. I hadn't seen her since her wedding 2 years ago so it was so great to catch up.

God has put so many things in my path over the last week, starting with seeing Sara that have made me reflect on how grateful I am for the people in my life. I am continually amazed by my friends - they are so incredible! In the last week I have had multiple conversations with friends that were so honest, encouraging, and challenging. I've realized that God has given me these friends so that I can see little glimpses of His love in a tangible way. To really be able to expose my heart to a friend and have her accept that and love me for it (and despite it) is something I will never take for granted. To my friends who have done that - you know you who are - THANK YOU. I love you dearly. This verse has been on my heart this week as I've walked through a couple of situations with friends and on my own. (I told you I put in on my bathroom mirror a few weeks ago and have been memorizing it - now God is using it in my life. Isn't that incredible how He does that?!)

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalms 27:13-14

Even though my heart is heavy at times, it is so far outweighed by the peace of Christ. I can't buy, create, wish for, or even hope for anything near as good as the presence of God! Trust me, I'm experiencing it!