Man, what a gift to be alive!!
I’ve been dwelling this week on this gift of life that I have. I’ve been thinking about all the kids I’ve heard laugh this year, all the smiles I’ve seen and have been able to give. All the places I’ve been able to climb and see. All the new smells I’ve experienced and the new foods I’ve tasted! All the incredible conversations I’ve been able to have. The new friendships across the world that I’ve formed. The new brothers and sisters I’ve seen choose to follow Jesus! Man, this year has been one of wonderous adventure.
I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone (a lot!) but, I’ve seen so much fruit from it. I’ve been stretched, challenged and grown by those around me. Not just through their feedback but also by watching the way my squad loves Jesus and shows that love to those around them.
There’s been so many low and tough points this year…. But they don’t begin to compare to the JOY I’ve experienced this year! The first 4 years after giving my heart to Jesus were full of so much growth, fun times, victory and life in general. This year I’ve felt more alive than ever before.
I’ve taken chances, I’ve said the words that scare me, I’ve done the things that I want to yell no to. I shut my mouth at the ideas that are outside of my comfort zone because it’s time to be adventurous! I’ve moved the pigs brain the difficult 12 inches from my plate to my mouth because I don’t want to look back and have regrets. I’ll regret saying no to things, I’ll never regret trying new things in life.
Honestly, I’m still learning. My team leader just mentioned last night a 6-day excursion she feels like we should go on. My response: My head says no, but my heart says yes! Because I still hate insects, I don’t like dirt. Lots of the details are unpleasant but it gives me a chance to see more of the Lords creation. To encounter Him in a new way, to have crazy memories with my team.
Because 5 years ago I didn’t. 5 years ago, I was TEN DAYS away from what was supposed to be my last day on Earth. I will never forget August 20th, 2014. I believed I would NEVER experience joy again, that I would always be a burden to others. Somehow, I believed I was unwanted, a drag, and not worth anyone’s time. Praise the Lord that God met me through Mercy. They gave me the hope to try one last thing and it completely turned me around. I’m 4 days (and $2,429) away from my next deadline before they decide if I go home in September instead. But even that is a miracle! That’s even $470 less than 24 hours ago! I know the Lord is still working but I’m extremely excited to see Him work this month!
This month, what was supposed to be the anniversary of my death and instead is when I celebrate my graduation from Mercy Multiplied! I believe that He is still using this month in my life to signify VICTORY every year instead of what the enemy intended for it to hold. Most of you who read this I’ve met since then! That. Is. How. God. Works!
So today I am celebrating life, victory, joy, breath, friendships, adventure and literally everything. I celebrate all the things that have broken my heart this year because I have a beating heart that can break. Celebrate with me and if it’s in your ability, please help me stay on the field to keep sharing the life and joy that Jesus wants others to know as well!
