The past few weeks have been such a blessing and gift from my Daddy in Heaven. I can’t help but think of the verses:
“What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Of if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them – this is the Law and the Prophets.”
-Matthew 7:9-12
Two weeks ago, I was able to go to Florida to visit my cousin and my best friend. After three years, I returned to Downtown Disney and relished in the mouse ears, smiles Earl of Sandwich and some good ol’ Ghiradelli chocolate!! I love the joy that comes with Disney and I love that I was able to be a small part of that joy.
I went to Miami and spent time loving on and being loved by my best friend. While she studied for law examines (yes she will be the BEST lawyer EVER!!!), I laid by the pool, skyped people from my squad, typed up Christmas newsletters and spent time with the Lord. Then we’d share meals together and talk about what the Lord has been doing and teaching over the last few months.
Stopping in one last time to see my adorable cousin, I watched her graduate with a Master’s degree and praised the Lord for the education system we have in the States. She is going to make a fantastic counselor.
This past week at work I handed out Christmas candies and cards (which I was quite proud of) and was able to say some goodbyes and thank yous. While doing all this, I realized just how much love has been poured out on me this past year. What a blessing for me to work here at JAARS alongside people who truly believe in me and love me.
Tuesday my office threw me a fair-well party, decked out with Clemson colors. They know me so well. I was given a wonderful card signed by all my co-workers and again I was overwhelmed by the love and support I received. After work, I was able to meet up with the Outreach coordinator of my current church, Forest Hill. She talked with me about the trips to Haiti they are involved with and I was able to share with her what I am doing. It was so wonderful to know that such a big church cares about the individuals.
Now my heart this past year has been filled with my youth group kids and Thursday night was my last time with them. L I knew by tradition that they would pray over me, but I didn’t expect anything else. Well those kids, they will never stop surprising me!! One of the students put together a video for me with everyone telling me they’d miss me and pictures from my last year.
Then the leaders brought out a sleeping pad (those are not cheap!) and gave it to me as a gift. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, they did the customary praying – which involved a few tears – and then the students signed my sleeping pad. So now, every night when I lay down to rest my little head I get to read messages from my beautiful children. How blessed am I!!!!
Not to mention having people tell me that I made an impact this past year. I think that may have been the greatest gift of all. Had you told me 5 years ago that a group of high schoolers would look up to me and that I’d make a positive impact on their lives, I never would have believed you. But I did. Little nothing, least of them, me made an impact on these students lives and on the lives of so many in this area. I’m absolutely humbled at the fact that God would choose to use me in such a way. I’m so useless, but with the Lord, oh man, I can do powerful things and what a blessing to do them!!!
So, I’ll keep reminding myself that though the Lord gives good gifts – which He definitely has given me this last year – He also gives us a command:
“Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them – this is the Law and the Prophets.”
I’ll keep offering the love that I’ve been given and hope to impact lives the way I’ve been impacted.
