ELEVEN DAYS.
*gulp*
*squeal*
I knew this day would come. I just didn’t know when. The fact that I’m leaving for eleven months in eleven days has sunk in deep. I’m wide-eyed and bushy-tailed with anticipation! I’m filled to the brim with excitement.
Every morning I wake up in my sunlit room on the NW corn of Nashville just so grateful. So grateful for every moment here this year-whether agonizing or beautiful, and everything in between- this room has held peace. This perfect peace?? reminds me of John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” ?AMP??
I think this peace has set a precedent for the years to come, and I’m receiving that as my walls become more bare and boxes continue to fill. Through all the preparation, no matter how daunting or unfitting it seems, I have peace. I’ve had peace in sickness, peace in my last month or so going the way I planned, and peace in fundraising. I was sick for a few weeks and didn’t get to work. Of course that was so frustrating as I’m trying to save for next year and you know, pay bills, but I just had peace to rest and take care of myself; I had a grand plan for getting my closest friends together for one last hoo-rah before I go and covid laughed in my face, but God had incredible time planned with each of them (one-on-one to boot) in crazy, unexpected ways; I really thought I’d have all my gear and be fully-funded by now, which is not the case, yet I have this confident hope (peace+faith) in God’s provision and timing!
So I’m entering into this year with gratitude, excitement, and peace!! My arms and heart are open wide to all the possibilities! I can hardly believe this is life. LET’S GO J SQUAD! ??
Thank you for coming alongside me on this journey. Even, no, Especially when I’m sappy.
Love,
Shelby
