I have a dear friend who called me a few days ago, frustrated seeking to be understood. We have the same job and I am so blessed with her deep friendship becuase we are able to understand one another's hurts and struggles and push one another as well. Earlier that day I was hit with a slight disappointment of my job, so as I spoke words of truth to her it served as a reminder to me. I love when God uses those close to us to teach us things. As I hung up the phone I had such gratefulness for her friendship and for the Lord's presence all over it. She reminded me that at times when we forget God's immense power and presence we need to shut off every other voice and distraction and listen only for Him.
She told me about a time in the summer when she would get down and take just a couple minutes to refocus on the truth that the Lord's presence is ALWAYS with us. We just have to change our focus, our perspective, our mindset to find it.
This task is not always easy. Without seeing God's physical presence in our daily lives it's difficult to constantly remained focused on His bigger picture. But through struggling to refocus it causes me to develop more faith and trust that God has me and my (quite small) life in the palm of His hand.
I woke up this morning in a plush, soft bed in a hotel room in Washington DC. I was not happy to get out of bed because I knew what the day had in store. I have spent the past four days traipsing around DC with my mom, a trip I have long awaited and looked forward to. Waking up this morning I did not want to bid her farewell or go back to the 'real world' even when I feel called to my job and love it. I wanted to keep staying up late, drinking wine, making jokes, doing tours of the city on bike and by foot. I wanted to continue letting my mom take care of me, waking me up each morning, hearing her sweet voice tell me over and over how proud she is of me.
So as I got out of bed this morning I remembered my dear friend's words about refocusing with the Lord. I wanted to throw myself a pity party filled with thoughts of leaving the wonderful time I just had, disappointment with work, comparing myself to other co-workers, and having to go back to the real world. I have to admit I did think through all of those things as I packed my suitcase, but I was determined to refocus my perspective before leaving DC. With book in hand and Pandora's Celtic Christmas station in ear I let His presence seep in.
So as I sit at the airport waiting for my plane, I choose to focus on the joyous trip I had with my wonderful mother. I choose to be thankful for this opportunity to see amazing things and reconnect with her. I choose to be immensely grateful for our relationship. I choose to thank God for a job that I enjoy and see purpose in. I thank Him for graciously providing a beautiful and loving family for me to live with and grow from. When I find myself comparing my work results to those of others, I CHOOSE to look to God for my validation and for his provision.
God will provide and show up in all places and all moments. I just have to look for His presence and wisdom in times of confusion and downheartedness.
He is there, we just have to refocus.
