Today has been…stressful.
Well, the day was actually not stressful at all, but I have this really bad habit to think of things too much and stress myself out.
Racers are reminded over and over again that this process is not meant to be stressful, but a process that grows you and strengthens your relationship with God. I’ve been trying to believe that and stick to it so much, but all of the sudden it just got to me. First it was the financial deadlines, but I worked through it, prayed about it, and trusted the Lord would provide and He will. Now, it’s a new battle. I worry about things that use to make me excited for the Race. Things like community, travel, and ministry. The thoughts just consumed me and ruined my day. Instead of bringing those worries to the Lord, I would hide them. Yes I know that He knows every thought I have, but I didn’t want to talk about them. I was almost embarrassed to have those thoughts, but the Lord is good and He knows me.
As I get off work, it was one of those days…stressful. I can barely hold back tears as I get in my car. How can I let those thoughts consume me again? You know Theresa Ann, you know better. I don’t want to go for my usual hike, because that’s just going to make me think about the Race even more, probably something I’m just going to fail at too, I don’t want to deal with it. All I want is my favorite take out and a nap. As I wait in line, a lady waiting for her food sees my shirt (it was a Nicaragua shirt) and she comments on it, says she likes it. After I order I tell myself to not sit by her, I knew she was going to ask questions, which would lead to the WR, and I was not going to talk about the World Race. Today was not the day lady. Then I hear the Lord speak, “Be available to the work I’m doing.” Okay God, fine. I sit next to her and yep, she asks questions. “What church do you go to?” “Have you done mission work before?” “Are you a missionary?” “Are you going to be pursuing more mission work soon?” …..and then, Here comes my heart pouring out about Nicaragua and this amazing thing I’m going on called the World Race. My heart had a complete turn around. I was so excited to tell her about what God was calling on my life. She then starts telling me about mission work she’s done in Africa, and she gave me some tips about what to pack and wear. I loved every bit of it. The Lord is good, and He knows how much I needed that conversation to soften my heart. I then get in my car, in awe of how great our God is, and my favorite song comes on. Great Are You Lord – All Sons and Daughters. Yes, exactly! Great are You Lord! Let me scream it on the mountain tops! To all nations! The Lord is GREAT! He knows me, He knows my needs, and He’s invited me to be a part of His work, and I’m grateful for that. He is good, He is great.
So here’s why I’m actually writing this post: I wanted to share with you a few things in my life that shout to me how great God is.
1. My life group. Being in the college class (aka the “Big Kid” class) has been so so so good. I can’t even come up with the words to describe the community we have, the encouraging, faith building, and sometimes sassy conversations we have, and how thankful I am for them and the way God has brought us all together.
2. My job. Contrary to popular belief and the times I’ve tried to leave, I actually do really like my job. I’m very grateful for it, but I’m even more grateful for the people I work with. I have some pretty freaking awesome mangers, and I’ve gained so many friendships with other coworkers. I know God has us working there for a reason, and I’m so thankful for those people. They make my life better.
3. Music! I have been so incredibly blessed by music. No matter what I’m feeling, I can find a song to reflect that. I feel very lucky because I enjoy all kinds of music genres so I have lots to pick from. Music, or worship rather, is one of my favorite ways to connect with God. I can not imagine going even a day without listening to music.
Obviously I could go on because the Lord is so great, but my heart is so full just thinking about those three things. Man, the Lord is good. He is good, He is good, He is good.
(ps. I’m also super thankful for squad mates and friends that help proofread my blog posts and tell me that I make sense and I’m not being over dramatic. Love y’all)
