As the graduation festivities are calming down, I had one last hoorah today. During my graduation party, I was able to receive such cool cards that are going to able to inspire me for years and years. Some of the inspirational quotes I read from the cards were:
1. “He will use you but remember to also step back and allow Him to fill you up!”
2. “‘It is well with my soul…’ a wonderful reminder no matter what the situation is, whether positive or not so much, with God it can be well with your soul.”
3. “Keep trusting in Him in all that you do. He is ALWAYS faithful!”
4. “May you soak in the reality of God’s presence, strength, and love as He leads you to new experiences, learning, and opportunities.”
5. “Always remember to lean into Him for your strength.”
What a way to send someone off. I have such great role models in my life; God has truly been present in my years leading up to now by blessing me with wonderful souls who love, and I mean love, Jesus Christ with their whole heart. I have been constantly surrounded by wise men and women who look to God to guide their steps.
With all of the wonderful notes and cards, I also received some great and thoughtful gifts. One gift especially caught my attention; It was a hand-knit shawl. Although I was not expecting anything like that, that shawl was the gift that God spoke to me through today. I am not leaving this shawl behind when I go on my mission trip; it will be right there with me.
Do you want to know why I am going to make room for this gift? Here is a story for you:
Gabby,
I started this prayer shawl on the way to Florida… nothing special. I crochet them for church along with other women. But as I was finishing this one a voice inside me said I should give it to you. Another voice said that was a silly idea but the nagging one kept telling me no, you should have it. I struggled with the decision for several weeks. Finally the shawl was finished and I laid it on the back of the couch to make sure all ends were woven it. Later that day I needed a nap and covered up with it. While I was sleeping I dreamed about you and Grandpa. I have never dreamed about my brother before and not you either. I took this as God’s final sign that the prayers were going to be needed by you. Or maybe not you, but someone you will meet along your journeys.
The three stitches in each opening represent the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It was prayer over by several other Lutheran women with special prayers because they knew who it was going to and your mission. I hope it brings you comfort and peace as you travel far from home. There is a lot of love stitched into it. God bless you and keep you safe.
After reading this note in the box with the shawl, I got a little choked-up. Isn’t it crazy how God works? I would have NEVER expected this as a graduation gift, however, there is SO much of God’s presence in such a small item.
The reason why I am not going to forget this shawl is because of the prayer that has been placed over it and over the person (me) who it was given to.
God has constantly been showing up in mighty ways in my life. I am so excited for this new journey because of the promises and the presence of God that has already been revealed to me. God is SO good. He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. I get teary-eyed just thinking of that. God puts SO MUCH EFFORT into your relationship; He works behind the scenes to impact you and put peace in your heart.
Prayer:
Lord, You are SO good. Never ever do I want to see myself out of Your hands. I am Yours completely. Lord, you have NEVER let me down. You keep each and every promise you have made. When I cling too much to this world, you bring me closer to you by stopping me and making my heart tingle. Lord, thank you for all you have done in my life this week. You have revealed to me that even though circumstances are not always good, You always are.
“It is well with my soul”
Even if circumstances are not good, “It is well with my soul.”
Even if my great grandpa is not doing so well health-wise, “It is well with my soul.”
Even if I don’t know what I will do in my future, “It is well with my soul.”
Lord, that isn’t the easiest to say. In this world, I like things to go my way. But Lord, as long as You are in my life, “It is well with my soul.” Why? Because You are OH, SO GOOD.
I love you Lord.
Love, Gabs.
