The past few days have truly been a blessing. I have been learning more and more about God's amazing power to bring peace and serenity, once I trust Him completely. It is not easy at times, because lately my mind has been programmed to try to figure everything out and make sure I have some sort of plan. But I've realized, sometimes I don't need one.
I love summer. I finally am able to relax and not have to stress. It's lovely. At first, I was not used to it but now I wish I could live like this more often. I am able to do things that I didn't have time for during the school year, leisurely things. But it's not just that. I can employ my time doing things I think are important, things I really should focus on all the time, not just when I have the opportunity. I think, well I hope, that this new shift of priorities will remain constant.
I worried too much this year, and I have decided that this is just something I need to exclude from my long list of things to do. I know this won't be easy because, naturally, I tend to want to be in control, or have a plan. I don't do well with spur-of-the-moment decisions or surrendering my hold on situations. It will be different, but I know it will be for the best.
There is so much I am excited for this summer! We have finally started our small group/book club and it's going great. Better than great, amazing! I cannot wait to see how it will grow over the summer and through our senior year. And then, the mission trip to Belle Glade! That will be an experience, I'm sure. I'm praying it all goes well and not only will we help change someone else's life, but also that we ourselves will return different people, humbled people.
I know this summer will be awesome, so far it has been! I just have to let go, and let Him lead.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Orange Sherbert
After dinner tonight, I decided I wanted ice cream. I was tired and the AC in my room isn't working great, and I could just really go for something cold and delicious. I opened the freezer and guess what? No ice cream. Lovely, I thought.
But then I noticed on the door, a container of orange sherbert. At that point I would have usually shut the door and rumaged around for something else in the cabinets, because sherbert isn't really my favorite, but for some reason, tonight I paused. I was already in the freezer, why not have some anyway?
While I consumed the tasty dessert, I thought about how we all tend to be just a little selfish. I'm a perfect example. I wanted ice cream, and was willing to give up a perfectly good alternative just because it wasn't what I had previously chosen. We have so much, and still we are offered more and more everyday. Opportunities come in all kinds of packages, but it's hard to chose the right one when you think you know what you're looking for. Your mind is preset, and your attention focuses on finding that one option. But sometimes the choice we should make isn't exactly what we would have first chosen, without thought.
Unfortunately, sometimes I tend to focus on what I could have, rather than what's already in front of me, I'm sure we all do. It's part of our selfish nature.
I need reminding all the time that what I have is enough, because I know if I got everything I've ever asked for, I still wouldn't be satisfied. I should be grateful I have anything at all.
Just thought I'd share that. :)
But then I noticed on the door, a container of orange sherbert. At that point I would have usually shut the door and rumaged around for something else in the cabinets, because sherbert isn't really my favorite, but for some reason, tonight I paused. I was already in the freezer, why not have some anyway?
While I consumed the tasty dessert, I thought about how we all tend to be just a little selfish. I'm a perfect example. I wanted ice cream, and was willing to give up a perfectly good alternative just because it wasn't what I had previously chosen. We have so much, and still we are offered more and more everyday. Opportunities come in all kinds of packages, but it's hard to chose the right one when you think you know what you're looking for. Your mind is preset, and your attention focuses on finding that one option. But sometimes the choice we should make isn't exactly what we would have first chosen, without thought.
Unfortunately, sometimes I tend to focus on what I could have, rather than what's already in front of me, I'm sure we all do. It's part of our selfish nature.
I need reminding all the time that what I have is enough, because I know if I got everything I've ever asked for, I still wouldn't be satisfied. I should be grateful I have anything at all.
Just thought I'd share that. :)
Family: part 2
Let's try again, shall we?
My family. They make me smile. They make me sigh. What would I do without them?
I wish I could think of words better than, "I am so thankful for my family," but I can't, so those will have to do.
My parents are great people. We don't always agree on everything, sure, but in the end they're there when I need them. They've done so much for me, it makes me wonder how I could repay them at all. Is that how it goes, then? Parents pour themselves into their children, and don't expect much in return, so their children pour all they have into their own kids. Or something like that. I hope not; I'd like to give something back to my parents. They're my superheros.
My sister is one of a kind, and I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. She's an amazing girl and I love her to death. She has taught me how to live, shaped my life, and she has no idea she's done it. I hope she'll know someday.
I will do anything for her, I just wish others felt half as strongly at times. But, alas, that's not the world. We don't get everything served to us on a silver platter, so why should we expect it? This world is cruel at times, and I hope she learns it's not something to rely on. I do hope she finds people who are willing to understand her, and are willing to believe she has more potential than she's given credit for. She deserves it.
This is certainly not all I have to say regarding my family, but I can't fit everything about them into a nice, neat, compact post, so I'll stop here. :)
My family. They make me smile. They make me sigh. What would I do without them?
I wish I could think of words better than, "I am so thankful for my family," but I can't, so those will have to do.
My parents are great people. We don't always agree on everything, sure, but in the end they're there when I need them. They've done so much for me, it makes me wonder how I could repay them at all. Is that how it goes, then? Parents pour themselves into their children, and don't expect much in return, so their children pour all they have into their own kids. Or something like that. I hope not; I'd like to give something back to my parents. They're my superheros.
My sister is one of a kind, and I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. She's an amazing girl and I love her to death. She has taught me how to live, shaped my life, and she has no idea she's done it. I hope she'll know someday.
I will do anything for her, I just wish others felt half as strongly at times. But, alas, that's not the world. We don't get everything served to us on a silver platter, so why should we expect it? This world is cruel at times, and I hope she learns it's not something to rely on. I do hope she finds people who are willing to understand her, and are willing to believe she has more potential than she's given credit for. She deserves it.
This is certainly not all I have to say regarding my family, but I can't fit everything about them into a nice, neat, compact post, so I'll stop here. :)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Family
I've realized I haven't really said too much about my family on this blog, and I'm going to fix that. My family and friends are important to me, thus they all deserve equal attention from me.
...hmm...(chirping crickets heard in the background)...
Okay, just kidding. :)
My family means so much to me, and I've learned so much from them, I can't possibly imagine what it will be like when I'm off to college in...a year. Time has flown by, and I almost feel like I can hear the seconds ticking down until I'll be out on my own, without the comfort having someone around who isn't focused on grades and futures, or even, I regret to admit, someone who will help pick up the slack when I'm falling behind.
I know that we all must grow up sometime and I won't say that I don't want that. I really don't want to be stuck in the same place twenty years from now, I want to grow. At times though, it's nice still being a kid, knowing that someone will be there to catch you when you stumble.
But then again, I suppose that's why we have God.
Isn't it wonderful that we have someone so amazing that even when we're ninety years old, we will still be His children and He will still be looking after us?
So really, even though we all eventually have to venture out of the nest at some point, it's really not as if we're abandoned or without protection and guidance. He's still there and we can always rely on that.
Hmm, well this is certainly not what I was planning to write, but that's ok because I did get to write about my Father. :)
...hmm...(chirping crickets heard in the background)...
Okay, just kidding. :)
My family means so much to me, and I've learned so much from them, I can't possibly imagine what it will be like when I'm off to college in...a year. Time has flown by, and I almost feel like I can hear the seconds ticking down until I'll be out on my own, without the comfort having someone around who isn't focused on grades and futures, or even, I regret to admit, someone who will help pick up the slack when I'm falling behind.
I know that we all must grow up sometime and I won't say that I don't want that. I really don't want to be stuck in the same place twenty years from now, I want to grow. At times though, it's nice still being a kid, knowing that someone will be there to catch you when you stumble.
But then again, I suppose that's why we have God.
Isn't it wonderful that we have someone so amazing that even when we're ninety years old, we will still be His children and He will still be looking after us?
So really, even though we all eventually have to venture out of the nest at some point, it's really not as if we're abandoned or without protection and guidance. He's still there and we can always rely on that.
Hmm, well this is certainly not what I was planning to write, but that's ok because I did get to write about my Father. :)
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