As I look back over the past year, I wonder where it all went. I think it's partly because this winter was so weird and warm, but it feels like fall simply turned into spring and caught me by surprise.
I've tried five times to write this blog post, but it's been really hard to find the words for this one because there's a lot of conflict inside of me. There have been times in the past few weeks where God has literally just had to break me apart in order to start healing me, and that's hard to talk about. Maybe summer is exactly what I need to simply step away from things for a while. Mostly though, my heart is just filled with thankfulness for the blessings God has given me despite my mistakes and shortcomings. It's wonderful that God doesn't bless me according to what I deserve because I sure wouldn't be left with much!
So now as I'm looking towards summer, I am thankful for all the things I've come to know and love this year: the people, the places, and everything else that I'm going to miss for three months this summer. I don't think a single day has passed by while I've been here that I haven't thanked God for this place. Not every day has been easy or even fun, but at the end of it all, I am still able to tell God how grateful I am for how He's working in and through me.
So what has God been teaching me as I'm preparing to say goodbye for a few months? I keep being brought back to James 1 where it says:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:2-5
I also keep coming to Hebrews 13:8 where it says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
These verses tell me that I'm not a finished product. Ever. If I am, that's a problem! God should always be working me and changing me into a person who brings Him more honor and glory. I'll always have work to be done inside of me. But even while God is changing me or changing everything around me, there is one thing I can count on: God will never change. NEVER. The world may fall away, but He will remain the same.
As I leave from this place, I'm going to cling to that promise. :)
