The year is coming to an end and I just can’t believe it that the New Year is just around the corner. As I reflect back on 2015, I realized that my plans weren’t nearly as great as what God had in store for me. I went through so much more than I ever thought of, or predicted that would happen when the clock struck midnight. But in those tough moments, I gripped His hand tightly and asked why. Now I reflecy on what He has been revealing to me.
His Presence is everywhere – I just need to welcome Him in.
“Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I’ve ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all the rushing…. Through all that haste I thought I was making up time. It turns out I was throwing it away.” -Ann Voskamp
An example of not being present, which is too frequent, in my life is when I am driving. I’ve been lucky enough to never had to stop on the road with a police officer behind me with his/her lights on. It seems all too often I become annoyed at the nuisance drivers around me, frustrated at the traffic light not turning green fast enough, or the weather conditions making me more cautious when I have somewhere to be. As hard as it can be at times, I’ve realize it is more important for me to arrive to a destination safe and alive a few minutes late rather than not arriving at all.
Instead, I need to take a deep breath and enjoy the drive. It is time that I can use to pray out loud, turn my worship music, be present & welcome the Holy Spirit. And you know what? This all of this doesn’t have to happen only in my car! Through the following list, you’ll get a glimpse of some major life events that have occurred in the last 8 months. In each situation, I prayed and reminded myself (or had to be reminded) to welcome His presence. Not to come… because He is already there. And now that these situations are over, I can now see how the Holy Spirit worked in and through me.
-Working with YouthWorks in Denver, Colorado: I expected to be flexible- traveling, lots of new friends, and not a singular position. God placed me out in Denver with a team with people who all had a different personalities, strengths, and growth areas. Each morning, I rose and read Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice”.
-Grandpa’s celebration of life: I’ve been incredibly blessed to have had all 4 grandparents for 22 years of my life. When I was living out in Denver, my grandpa’s (mom’s dad) health slowly deteriorated in July. I had to buy a last minute plane ticket to go to Iowa and visit him one last time to say good bye. I was states away from any source of comfort from family. But God reminded that I will see him again because my grandpa was saved, and those friends of mine out in Denver needed to be loved, given attention, because Grandpa would have done the same.
-Residents health and life style: Simply living and doing life with my four beautiful residents on a daily basis. As precious and fragile their lives already are, I had the unfortunate position of calling on others to help with one of their current health status. It dawned on me how precious life really is. I sat by her, slept by her, prayed with her, and welcomed the Holy Spirit to come. I felt like I was hit by a brick, He reminded to be present, because life is short (Especially compared to eternity in Heaven), and that I have no idea when God will call me Home.
-Last but not least, Presence, not present during Christmas: We all know the American Christmas traditionally involves presents, family, presents, food, and more presents. And though we always try to remember it’s better to give than receive. God again recently reminded me to simply be present this holiday season. To join in conversation, to give others attention, to bless them with words, kindness, and gifts.
It blows my mind to think all that I’ve been through, but I wouldn’t want to change it. I have learned a lot about myself, my passions, my faith, and purpose in life. It is hard to imagine that I’ll be over in Cambodia for Christmas next year. First time I won’t be home.. let alone my family of 6 (+2 brother-in-laws) won’t be together for Christmas. We won’t open presents under the lit Christmas tree or even ponder at the glistening snow on the ground. And as sad as I am to think that, I need to remember that it’s okay, actually it’s more than okay, it’s great because I still can celebrate His birth, with others and maybe even get to remind and celebrate with others who may not have if it wasn’t for The World Race.
Therefore, this Christmas I am choosing to focus on being present with my family and friends. Not being distracted with such things such as my phone, the gifts I receive, or being too competitive in ours games that I am thinking of the next strategic move rather than joining in on the fun conversation. I’m putting aside work and fundraising away for a few days and joining in on family time.
P.S- As I wrote this blog over a few days, I pray you all had a wonderful time with friends and family for Christmas. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for those who have prayed for me and my World Race journey and those we have donated financially. I am incredibly encouraged and blessed by your donations. I just have under 50% committed to my goal thus far! I continue to be in awe of the support you all have provided me as my journey as barely started. But even so, God has blessed by beyond belief with friendships, gifts, and encouragement. If you’d still like to donate, you may click ‘support me’ above and do so from there. It is a tax- deductible donation. Remember that you are a blessing to many others and to celebrate the reason for the season! Yay Jesus! As we head into the New Year, remember:
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
