It's really funny how God shows up in the seemingly insignificant moments. It blows my mind that this big God cares enough about me to show up just to reassure me of his presence. Why would he ever need to reassure someone of his vast presence? Yet, he does.

Tonight I was running as the sun was going down- and I can't really explain it, but God was just so beautiful to me in that moment. I was looking around and seeing all the colors and I just found myself in this place of absolute thankfulness for creation, for being able to run and move and function normally, and for Jesus showing up when I'm at my weakest moments and reminding me that I am not strong, but that he is strong where I am weak ALL the more. I'm surrounded every day with kids and adults, many of whom don't have the blessing of the ability to move and function at normal levels, and it really makes me thankful that God has blessed me and my family with good health. It makes me want to stop complaining when I make a comment about how much I don't want to work out haha... I can honestly say this summer I have learned SO much more from them than they could ever learn from me.

I love how Jesus comes into this place of need and fills it with this lasting presence. It is such a beautiful thing to watch him move and work, sometimes in really small seemingly insignificant ways. But nothing is insignificant with God- everything, even the smallest thing is made beautiful when he breathes life into it. If there is one thing in my life that I would hate, it would be to never feel his presence again-because feeling his presence is literally the greatest thing in the world. To experience his peace is the greatest rest.

At times it's hard to remember what I'm doing here in school- and I wonder why I'm not at Kanakuk like every other summer, or why I'm not with my family that I miss like crazy. And then all of a sudden my client smiles at me and asks me for help, accomplishes a goal, or says something that makes me laugh- and I realize that this is the place God has for me for this season, for a significant reason, for a change in both my sometimes arrogant heart and maybe, just maybe, for a change in a child's life. Suddenly God shows up and reminds my forgetful heart of his presence that works ALL THINGS together for good.

Lord make everything I do mirror how you chose to live and serve. God give me a heart that breaks for the same things as yours, and a heart that loves deeply, richly, and fully. Lord teach me that true service is service when I LEAST want to. I can't do anything good, anything, lasting, or anything beautiful apart from you!

He is so good. No matter what difficult thing comes my way- he is good. He is good because no matter what I face here on this earth, I am saved by grace and loved beyond anything I could hope to deserve. =)

Consider it pure joy, brothers, when you face trials of many kinds. For you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1: 2-4, 12