The Lord shows His love for me in strange ways, and every time I’m caught by surprise. I have seen the love of God through a dragon fly’s poop, a road detour, a trip to Goodwill, my dog’s eyes, and even through heartbreak. I find the Lord everywhere, even when I’m not looking.
One of those moments happened today when I was going to get a yellow fever vaccination. Now, this shot is a big deal. Like huge. Carrying a yellow fever card (indicating that you got the shot) on the Race is just as important as carrying your passport. Some countries won’t even let you in if you aren’t certified. That being said, America currently has a shortage of yellow fever vaccinations- as in they are almost nowhere to be found. It was a miracle that I found a clinic only forty minutes away with the vaccine that was covered through insurance. God was already at work in this process and I was grateful.
Of all the shots I had to get, this one was the most important- and I was running late. Running on nothing but old coffee and stress, I get in my car to leave. It was then that I realized I didn’t have my phone. Sighing and internally crying, I ran to the door, unlocked the door, snatched my phone, and was finally all set to go. I pulled into the street, signaled left (this is important- the fastest root was left) at the stop sign, and was just about to go when I looked into my neighbor’s yard.
There, peeing and smiling like an idiot, was my dog Max. He had escaped our fence (which someone had left open) and was now expanding his territory. I slipped out of my car and called to him. Being the smart dog he is, Max ignored me and went straight back to the yard. I fumbled with the gate, chewed out the dog, and quickly stomped to the car.
Now, I have never been to this clinic before. Google Maps initially told me to turn left at the stop sign for the fastest route. When I looked at the phone again, I thought it said to turn right, so I signaled right and began driving the wrong way. It took me a few minutes ti realize what I had done, and by then it was already too late. Google had completely rerouted my route to go another way. I couldn’t turn around, I couldn’t speed (my car is one drive away from a junk yard), and I couldn’t give up now.
The funny thing is, that drive was one of the most peaceful moments of my day. The route I took lead me down some backroads with lush green trees and bright yellow flowers. I found myself transformed- from stressed mess to blessed guest- in only a few minutes. In that drive Jesus even reached into my recent struggles and showed me life. I found peace and clarity about this trip, my personal life, and about the Lord.
Today was a day of mountains and valleys, never-ending ups and downs. I got lost a few times and thought my car was going to explode, but I got a muffin. There were moments when I was so stressed that I cried, but I got to laugh my guts out with my mom in the kitchen. Lord knows this trip has been a crazy roller coaster, and I haven’t even left yet!
I guess my life has always been on a path of hills and valleys, but thats okay. I remember the highest mountains, how they filled my heart and soul with joy. I remember the lowest valleys, when everything hurt so much that physically breathing became a struggle. One of the most powerful thoughts the enemy can throw is “You’ll never be that happy again”. He uses this weapon to make the valleys that much lower and the mountains not so high. You might hear “Just because you were that happy once doesn’t mean you’ll ever get it again” or “Everything seems good now, but its only a matter of time before you’re back in the valley”.
Friends, this is how the enemy takes us in. He makes our happy times sad simply by reminding us that they will end. What the enemy doesn’t tell you is that more good things will come. Recall that we are loved and treasured by the Creator of the universe. This guy can BREATH STARS into existence, and He takes care of His people.
Maybe you’ve been in a really dark place lately, just looking for some hope. Message me friend, I would love to encourage and pray for you! The Lord has sent me to tell you about His love. If nothing else, just remember that life isn’t a pit, it always takes you up and down. Make it a point to see the Lord’s small blessings, and soon you’ll see bigger blessings come to light.
Maybe you’re in a great place right now. Good! Continue to be present in your mountain, always seeing the Lord’s blessings and thanking Him for what you have. Don’t waste any time worrying about the future or when you’ll be in another valley. It’ll come, but look to the Lord and He’ll guide your every step.
I started this blog with a vague idea of what I wanted to say, and it turned out to be something completely different. Honestly, mountains and valleys have defined this season of my life, and thats okay. I’m constantly shifting between happy and sad moments, but the joy of the Lord brings me through it all.
Hey friends! Thank you so much for reading my blog, I’m so honored by all your love and support. Speaking of support, my next deadline for fundraising is in 10 DAYS!! Currently I am about $800 away from making the cut, so please donate. I need to reach $10,000 by August 24th in order to go on the Race, and we’re so close!!!
Another thing: my mother is putting together a garage sale for the first weekend in October. I will be overseas by then, but all the proceeds would go towards the rest of my fundraising fund. She needs people to donate items to the garage sale (and possibly a location), so please contact her if you have any questions or items.
Again, thank you so much for reading the blog!! I love you all ^-^
~CLS
