Practice, practice, practice!

My heart is too full. I want to share what is happening. First of all, may I begin by saying that GOD IS GOOD!!! ALL THE TIME!!!

As I look back on the past school year, two things are made blindingly clear: the enemy is actively at work against us, and that God's grace really is enough. I have had my highest highs and my lowest lows, and God has taught me how to praise Him in both. I don't do it perfectly, but if nothing else can be said for this year, it's that He has given me lots of opportunities to practice trusting and praising Him. (for details, please refer back to previous entries!)

God has been stripping me of my dependence on anyone other than Him. This sounds uncomfortable, and it is, but it's also necessary. Last week, my pastor was asking if we could have none of the gifts God gives except for Himself, would He still be enough? I can honestly answer that yes, He is enough for me. I won't lie, on the outside I'm very comfortable. I have plenty of food, a safe and secure home, clothes on my back, a job that is very fulfilling, and I'm surrounded by people who are also seeking to serve God. On the outside, my life seems wonderful, and in many ways it is.

It does not come without a cost, though.

By being in Thailand, I have missed out on many things back in the States. I have not been able to see my nephews and nieces grow up. I have not been able to be there for my parents as I was before. I have not had the comfort and security most people take for granted of being able to hold a conversation with anyone I meet, such as taxi drivers, servers, or people I meet while traveling.

Instead of comforts, I've been given something else. Challenge.

For people who know me, I'm not exactly big on fighting. Endurance is NOT my strong suit. I usually strive for "good enough." I'm not likely to be the person who undertakes a challenge just for the fun of it. However, I do try to be the kind of person who is sensitive to God's calling. So even though I don't seek out challenges, I do endure them when God tells me to. This has definitely been a year of God telling me to endure, no matter how many times I've cried out against Him to let me rest. Instead of rest, He does something better; He gives me the strength I need.