This morning I woke up before the sun rose, showered, packed the rest of my things, and left my home. Before I walked out the door, I snuck into each of my sisters’ rooms to say goodbye and steal one last hug. The lights stayed off as we whispered farewells and wiped away fallen tears. As I kissed my sleeping nephew on his plump little cheek, I couldn’t help but imagine all the memories I will miss this next year during my trip. I will miss his third birthday and learning new words. I will miss lunches with my little sister and many sassy remarks, I am sure. I will miss funny movies with my older sister and some pretty amazing food. I imagined all the laughs that my family will share without me, the holiday meals, and Sundays at home. I climbed into the back seat of my dad’s car with the weight of sadness and regret sitting on my chest. My parents laughed and joked in the front seat but I couldn’t seem to lift my mood. Then my mom turned up the radio at the perfect time. The song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns came on and as they sang one line snagged my attention.
“The voice of truth says “this is for my glory.””
“This is for my glory,” God told my heart while Austin disappeared behind me. With that one line, that one reassurance, my focus was directed back to eternity, to God’s Kingdom. I started to feel His peace sink into me, but I had some requests before I could let go of my reserves entirely.
For my little sister: that she would know how incredibly powerful she is. That she would serve others well and pursue something she is passionate about. That God would reveal Himself to her and draw her near to Him.
For my older sister: that she would know that she has a God who knows her intimately and is on her side. That she would recognize the value she has in His eyes. That she would radically chase God’s will for her life.
For my sweet nephew: that he would pick up all our best traits and none of our bad habits. That he would grow up knowing how LOVED he is, not only by his family, but also by the Creator of the universe. That he would remember me when I return!
For my friends and family: that they would feel my love everyday, no matter how far apart we are. That they would understand how much I appreciate each and every one of them.
Those prayers drifted upwards for quite a while and after I had presented all my requests to God, I allowed my sadness to fall away. I stepped into the excitement and the hope of what this next year is going to bring. And I let God do what He does best: care for those He loves.
