Weekend truth....

It's been a rough couple of weeks. This time of year is always a struggle. I know that it doesn't have to be. I mean, I know truth. I know that there is life, hope, and rest in my Savior. When I fix my eyes on Jesus, I stop stressing over the details and allow Him to carry me through the big picture. And yet, in October, I often find myself drowning in the details, frantically trying to keep my head above water, oblivious to the life raft right next to me. This weekend was the breaking point.....in a good way.

I took Friday off so that I could meet my parents in San Antonio and continue driving to McAllen in order to visit some family and friends. I referred to it as my "mental health" day, but it really ended up being a spiritual health retreat. Friday night, I went to a Casting Crowns concert and was flooded with truth about God's mercy, love, forgiveness, faithfulness, sovereignty, holiness, and love. So often, the routine of every day puts me into auto pilot, which effectively means that I don't think about the Lord. I miss opportunities to serve and share because I'm not seeing the world as Christ sees. Being so focused on checking things off the list becomes my idol. The concert reminded me that my focus needs to be on Christ - living a life of service to Him.

Saturday morning, I was reading parts of Jeremiah. The people of Israel were living life apart from God, but still expected God to bless their lives, as individuals and as a nation. God was done with second chances and they were now going to suffer the consequences for their choices. As I read, my heart broke. How often do I decide that I can blend into the world and still be blessed as one that is set apart? A relationship with God doesn't work that way. I don't get to say, "I'm with Christ when it's convenient or profitable". To be honest, I don't even want to say that, but my actions often do speak those words. When life feels empty or lacks purpose, I know it's because I am not earnestly growing my relationship with the One who fills life with purpose.

I'm thankful that my story isn't finished. I'm thankful for second chances. I'm thankful for a Counselor who is always present and available. I'm thankful to be learning how to live out the peace, hope, power, and love available to me through Christ.