Tears from the right eye.
My Dad taught me, as he said goodbye to me this past October, “See, these are happy tears, they’re falling from my right eye.”
He learned that from the nurse who sat with him as his own father fell asleep peacfully a few years back. She told him, from personal experience, she had noticed the ones who passed away in peace would always have a tear fall from their right eye first. My dad said he knew it was because my Grandfather was finally meeting Jesus.
I was reminded of this story as I caught myself wiping tears away from my right cheek as I stared out the window.
If you read my most recent blogs, you may know this month hasn’t been the easiest. But as we travel back from our mini Christmas vacation, I’m overwhelmed with thanksgiving.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I was raised, the camps I was able to go to, the churches I grew up in, the women and men who have molded me into the person I am today.
My mind is flooded with memories.
Memories of running around my old church gym with friends while my mom had worship practice; singing along to old Hillsong tracks. Memories of walking through the open field at Circle K Camp as the sun shined through the trees… A yearly excitement arose for another week of summer camp in the woods; the first place I learned about intimacy with The Lord.
I am beyond grateful that He put people on my path who spoke Life and Truth over me from such a young age. Who gave me opportunities to thrive and gave encouragement so I never felt fully defeated, as I figured out my walk with Jesus. I think of my small group leaders who prayed for me through my rebelious years in high school, as I was tossed to and fro. Eventually I used their wisdom to pray for my own small group girls (who have been a huge blessing and a part of God redeeming my lost years).
I have wept with thanksgiving to God because he chose me to be called His beloved.. Caught up in unworthiness yet He calls me a daughter.
I know not everyone who reads my posts are followers of Christ, but if I can get one thing across…it’s that I believe there is a Creator who has made you and called you beloved. No matter the memories, good or bad. He wants us to receive His Grace but we reject Him daily and blame Him for all the chaos instead of trusting that He will bring calm to our storm. Trust me, I’m guilty too.
But I am and praying that you may encounter His true character. Which isn’t always what we want but is what we need. Overall He is a loving God. Actually, He is Love himself. Not defined by this world as emotion and feelings(which sometimes that happens too) But Love expressed as the ultimate giver of gifts, the abundant provider and our greatest comfort in all situations.
Some call us fools for believing in “childish beliefs” but don’t you want to have dreams that are fulfilled, peace that is unexplainable, joy that is unconatainable? I rather have faith like a child with wealth of Heaven than be filled with pride and empty treasures of this world.
I may be childish, but I am a child of God. And so are you and that makes you so loved, whether you want to be or not. And I’m thankful for that. And for the testimony of the life He has given me and every single one of you.
I hope you can remember the memories that are hard and the ones that bring tears to your right eye. And I hope you know through it all, The Lord has a story to tell through you.
Update! Our team is heading to Africa!!!!!! WOAH! Saying goodbye to Asia, but excited for what’s next! Thank you for your support and I can’t wait to give you an update on what we’re doing in Lesotho! Love you all!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
– Jeorgianna
