H-hh-hello everr-rryonee!
Okay, maybe I'm being a little bit dramatic. But it is COLD! Right now it's somewhere around 50 degrees, plus windchill. It's been cloundy and rainy the past couple of days, with the possibility of snow forecasted today. SNOW! Wait, isn't this October? Barely even fall? Meanwhile, back home I am told that it is a lovely 80 degrees, sunny and delightful.
"Oh the weather outside is frightful..." I can't tell you how much I miss my fireplace back home right now. And I miss things like whipped cream on my hot chocolate, baking cookies, and shopping trips. I miss comfy couches and being able to watch movies. This cloudy, dreary weather has bred some homesickness in me.
Yesterday I took a walk to try to dispel my gloomy feeling. Yes, it was raining moderately. No, I did not take an umbrella. I was struck by the beauty in the world. The trees all unique in their various shades of red, gold and orange. The fall leaves littering the green grass; all vibrantly washed clean by the rain. A brook was rushing hurriedly over the stones. I realized, God is good. He called me to this school. He placed this school statigically in Virginia. This was not an oversight; I am supposed to be here at Patick Henry, here in Virgina. He has sprinkled His beauty throughout the earth. So what if there are four tests next week? Is He worried about the papers that seem monstrous? No. He called me here; He will sustain me here. He will create a large spot in my heart for this place and these people, but not at the expense of home. God is not replacing my affections but expanding them. I can love Virginia and I can love California. I can love these people and I can love my youth group, homeschool group, and camp. It is not a choice between them. God is good. God cannot not be good. Praise God.
And now, I can curl up in our brand-new coffee shop, with a cup of hot chocolate and the wind howling outside, and be at peace. The storm rages outside, the next week holds challenges, my future is unknown. But God is big, God is good, and I am content. May His name be praised now and forevermore. Amen.
~Carissa
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It does a Mama's heart good to hear this :)
ReplyDeleteOften have I had the same experience of taking a walk when upset and hearing God's voice comfort and instruct through His glorious creation! "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made..."(Romans 1:20).
I am so thankful that you are able to understand firsthand the theory of expanding affections; your world is growing larger and you are now free to embrace it!
I am jealous that you get to enjoy the changing leaves. You know how I love those fall colors! Enjoy them for me :) I love that you have developed the habit of praising God for His many blessings! That skill will serve you well throughout life :)
Love,
~Mom
I am finally catching up with your blog. It makes me feel a tad guilty that I don't work a bit better at keeping one for myself. Whenever I have managed to be disciplined about a journal I have enjoyed looking back on it, but it seems the days get away from me and there is never enough time. I agree with you wholeheartedly in being able to love two places for different reasons. Sometimes I don't think my family gets it and thinks of it as a personal slight that I wish to live so far away...but they have grown to understand my home too...though my Dad constantly makes fun of me for my choice.
ReplyDeleteYou are a strong girl (lady) in God and you have the right attitude. I have always been struck by your ability to live your life on your terms with God's guidance. Keep up the great work and know we are all praying for you!!! :)
Love,
Pharaba
PS...can't you watch a movie on your computer?
Glad to hear that you are able to see God's hand in all this. Trust me on this one, God's timing and plan are the best, :D , even if you can't see it perfectly clear at the moment. Continue to take every step one at a time in God's direction and your life will unfold into a beautiful masterpiece, created by the best artist there is!
ReplyDeleteJason