The first memory I have is one that in a way has shaped my perspective on a lot of things. It was shortly after I had turned two and me and my Grandfather were sitting in the living room looking at and talking about the Christmas tree, the lights, and the presents. I was sitting on his lap in the rocking chair marveling at how beautiful it all was. In my two-year-old brain this was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen. But I wanted more. I wasn’t satisfied with simply looking at the lights, I wanted to touch them, to learn about them, know why they worked, and in general be a two-year-old that needed to be in charge. But the thing that sticks out to me the most about this memory is that my curiosity and wonder was encouraged and nurtured. I felt safe in asking questions, touching the lights without reprimand, and stepping out of the comfort zone without my hand being held. Being in awe of things that were beyond my understanding was a good thing, not something to be smothered or admonished. It is over 20 years later and let me tell you, a lot has changed, but you know what? There’s a lot that has not. I still love Christmas, I still feel completely safe stepping out of my comfort zone into the scary world, and I’m still in awe of things that I do not fully understand.
I have a better grasp of how lights and electricity work and no longer HAVE to know what is in every box under the Christmas tree, but I do stand in awe that my God who created the world, has power and dominion over everything in creation, and has the authority to silence the grave individually created me to serve His kingdom and bring His name glory. No pressure!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” Declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Following God’s plan for your life is not just about the big gesture or the big yes. It isn’t just about dropping everything and going overseas for a year. It is about the constant little yeses, the choices that we make every day to put Christ first and honor Him in every aspect of our lives. Sometimes we are called to the big scary things like going overseas for a year, two years, or a lifetime. But sometimes we are called to wait.
Being a 23-year-old RA in a freshmen dorm was not where I expected to be, but this season has been a beautiful time of refreshment, pouring into others, and learning more about the God I serve in ways I never imagined. I have learned to wait on God and His perfect timing, I have learned to step out in faith when the thought scares me to death, and I have learned that God has called me to a life that is far far from the American dream, and I have learned that I have so much to learn.
I am currently in brief season of waiting and preparing. I graduate in May and leave for the World Race in October, but in the next 10 months I am preparing and waiting on God to draw me into the next season of life.
I am learning to say yes in the little things every day. I say yes to living my life in such a way that glorifies God, I say yes to serving those around me, and I say yes to always being amazed at the beauty that God has created around me.
And yes, I still love Christmas lights more than I probably should.
