There are three rules we need to go over before you keep reading.
1. Please do not judge this blog by the title.
2. Please do not judge me by the title of this blog.
3. Read to the end.
I am convinced that God hates boxes.
I think he hates it when we put ourselves in a box. I am made to do incredible things, none of which are possible if I am inside a box.
I think he hates being put in a box. I serve a creative God who loves to surprise me. He can use anything to reach his people. He can even use the Justin Biebers of the world.
One thing that you need to know about me is that I love music. I know that it sounds cliché, but I listen to a lot of different styles and genres. Some is well known and other things not so much. Lately I have been listening to Justin Bieber. Please refer to rule number 2 #nojudgement. Now, if the rest of this blog is going to make any sense to you, then you are going to need to listen to one song by the Biebs. I’ve made it easy on you and the video is right here at the top of the page. So please take three and a half minutes to listen, it’ll be worth it I promise.
Now that you’re all caught up we can continue. I hope you liked it just a little bit. It has meant a lot to me, but let me explain why.
*First verse*
This race business is not easy. If I just think about the things I have to get done before I leave I could break down. I know it might sound silly, but shopping for gear is one of the most stressful things I’ve done in my life. On top of all that, I am trying to graduate. Student teaching is just around the corner, and its terrifying. It also means that my time in school, a place that has blessed me beyond belief, is almost over. I am breathing my last breath and walking my last steps in Abilene. One of the lyrics says, “Look at all of these tears I’ve wept” and that has never been more true.
*Chorus*
When this song came out I was in a rough place. I was not seeing the exciting things about the race. I was seeing all of the bad. It was taking me away from my home and comfort zone. It was required me to sacrifice my plans, but it also required me to put my all into the hands of Jesus. Once I did that I remembered what a gift I had been given. The Lord had given me purpose. I am convinced that this is something I am meant to do. I have no doubts about that. It is one of the best gifts that I have ever been given.
*Second Verse*
I am not the best at letting go. What I keep hearing from the Lord is that college has been a great season in my life. I’m more than grateful for the time I spent here, but it was a season. When I first heard this song one thing came to mind. I have a very dear friend who is getting married in August. I have been asked to be a bridesmaid, but there is a very real chance that I will miss her wedding. It may sound small, but I was brokenhearted when I found out. That is one farewell that I am not ready to say, but peace is promised to me.
As you heard the chorus repeats and it is beautiful.
So, I am trying to live in a space with no boxes, trying to get better at letting go, and I’m trying to walk out in my purpose. I am so thankful for the sweet reminders the Lord gives me. I am thankful that I serve a God who knows me well enough to use something I love, music, to speak with me. What a good father! I’m not perfect, and I know that sadness and fear and doubt will still come up at times. But for now, I am resting in the fact that the Lord is my everything.
