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Breathe in…and out. Ok I needed that. Do you ever have those “everything that could go wrong does go wrong” type of weeks? I can’t find my drivers license and I’m getting ready to board a flight. I have orientation for a new job but my car won’t start. I am getting sick, and realizing that things were not going to work with a boy I was excited about. And oh yeah, the chaotic start to spring semester is here. I started to feel down. It is safe to say this past week has been a tough one folks, but as it is winding down, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect. Earlier this year my sweet Grandma sent me a devotions book. One of the devotions reads, “Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world. Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that is masks your need for me.”
With those words in mind, I headed off to the first candle lit mass of the year. I was surrounded by my truest friends and as the priest was giving his homily, I felt like he was speaking directly to me. He reminded me that even in difficult times that there is always light. This light is found within the people I encounter. Even after a week like this past one, I can’t help but be thankful for the experiences and people God has handpicked to be in my life, my lights.
When I was stressed out about work and my car, I called my dad. He probably had a million other things on his plate, but he sat on the phone and helped me fill out all the paperwork for my new job. Then he talked me through how to get my car running. Telephonic auto repair service! It was calming just to hear his voice.
When I was sick, I called my mama. I swear moms have curative powers–even from across the country. And of course just when I need her, she gets to visit Omaha for work tomorrow.
When this boy…well, when this boy was just being a typical college boy, I had my best friends to lean on. They hugged me, sang Taylor Swift with me and reminded me of my worth when I shed a tear (just one tear, because this boy was not worth more than that.) My best friend from Alabama who I only get to talk to every few weeks just listened to me for thirty minutes on Facetime while I ranted about the craziness that is my life right now.
When school and everything else started to hit me, I called my big brother. He is the best at putting it all into perspective for me. He also has a talent for making me laugh even when I am having pity parties for myself.
My uncle Sean somehow knows exactly when I need a friendly text to remind me of home. He usually says something funny which then makes me think of him being funny by sending something funny and that strikes me as really funny. Then he follows up by sponsoring a study break for me. Uncle Sean knows that laughter and a cup of coffee go a long way towards making anyone’s life better.
When I sat in class today, although very overwhelmed with the new semester and a whole lot of work to do; I suddenly got a sense of relief. Hard as it may be, I love what I am studying and I am thankful for amazing teachers who push me to be better.
I was in a funk and I was questioning where God was in my life. Let me tell ya, he wanted to make it very clear that he was there, all around me. God has surrounded me with people. God has surrounded me with lights. And it took a tough week for me to realize again that God has me right where he wants me, and for that I am thankful.
