little backstory--
January 28, 2014.
I walked out of class into what was the craziest snow storm I had ever encountered.
People were wearing gloves, hats, big jackets, and boots as they sledded down the icy, snow filled streets of campus, using trash can lids and cardboard boxes of course. (Because I don't think Alabama has seen that much snow since the big snowstorm of 1993.)
That day I was wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, vans (with fuzzy socks) and that's about it. I was freezing, to say the least.
So I walked out of class and tried to go into the closest building.
The library-locked.
The education building-locked.
I finally decided to approach a police officer.
I said, "sir, I am a commuter, my dad won't let me leave. WHERE can I go to seek shelter?"
If you don't know me, then let me fill ya in, I hate the cold. So, so much.
Long story short, I find shelter, and call one of the only people I knew on campus, that also happened to live close by. Granted, I met her the day before, but she was my only hope.
I met up with her and we proceeded to walk to her fiances apartment. An apartment filled with about 7 other people.
Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE people, but it was a house full of people I did not know and I was still recovering from how dang cold it was outside. I have to consciously put myself in a good mood, especially when snow is around.
I end up spending about 36 hours with these people.
And literally, that day was one of the huge mile markers of my life.
Previous to this day, I didn't have many friends (I know, believe it or not, your choice).
I was longing for friends, especially in college. I mean, come one, it's college!!
And boy did God bless me.
I now have a community of brothers and sisters that I cherish so deeply.
I feel so loved, not only by them, but also by the Father.
He really does love us and sees/hears our desires. He placed them there for pete's sake.
So, thank you, Lord, for January 28th.
And currently--
November 22, 2014 and it's almost been a year since I met my lovely friends.
I have grown more than I can say and for that, I am truly grateful.
The Lord has shown me more of His Spirit, His character, and His love.
& continues to do so.
& I've gotten to experience that with this lovely community.
He's meeting me where I'm at, wherever that is, and sitting with me as long as I need.
He's teaching me what it looks like to walk in the Spirit.. WITH the Holy Spirit.
He's giving me so much grace and teaching me how to give myself grace (which is really hard for me).
And through that, He's showing me ever so kindly that walking in the Spirit takes practice.
Learning to truly walk with Him after so many years of well, not doing that, simply takes practice.
& that's ok. Because through that time, I'm learning, growing and He's shaping me all the while. Molding me to be more like Him. How beautiful is that?
He's teaching me to be still. To sit. Even though it may be uncomfortable.
He teaching me how to hear Him.
Oh what a joy this ride is.
It's hard. Oh so hard. And I wanna scream all of the time. Because it can be painful.
But His gentle, loving and kind Spirit overwhelms every time.
His love radiates. And all you can do is sit in awe.
May we never lose that wonder.
This life is a messy one, but there's no other people I'd rather experience it with.
Thank you friends, for loving me so well, for welcoming & inviting me in, for cherishing me, for making me feel so loved and... wanted. If you're reading this, then you probably know who you are.
It means more than I can say.
And the rest is history. <3 p="">
No comments:
Post a Comment