Last weekend I was blessed to be able to attend the wedding of a dear friend in East Tennessee. I realized that this is the 5th October in a row that I have attended a wedding. Apparently October is the month for weddings in my circle of friends. It was a refreshing break to get away for a couple of days and be among like-minded friends. The wedding was beautiful and although I was busy for a good part of the preparation and ceremony, I was still soaking up the fellowship. Following the Saturday wedding, Sunday morning we had a small church gathering at the home of the bride and several hours of sweet fellowship followed. The group included several missions-minded, God-seeking individuals and that is what I needed to be around. I was encouraged by conversations I took part in and those I just listened to. I felt like I was among family even though I wasn’t close to very many of the attendees and I am related to none. But that is one of the joys of being a part of God’s family, being among family even when you are surrounded by “strangers”. I returned to Front Royal with a renewed sense of self and of purpose. Going away allowed me to gain a refreshed perspective on my time here and step back and get a glimpse of what God is doing. Even though I may not be able to relate to the community of believers here as easily on some levels, they are still my family, and for that I praise God. In my work, I am feeling a greater sense of confidence and purpose as I fill the role that I have been put here to complete. And as far as friends go, I am humbled by how God continues to provide for me despite my worrying. This weekend was a great example of that.
As the end of the workday approached on Friday, I was scrambling to make weekend plans to explore a new area or go for a hike. No one seemed available or interested and I have been strongly advised not to hike alone in these parts. In a last effort, I left a sticky note on the desk of the traveling PT. She is from Texas and being a fellow traveler, I know she is trying to make the most of her time here. She and her husband were more than willing to do something this weekend so we decided to check out the Luray caverns on Saturday. As we were making plans, a friend from church contacted me about the weekend and she decided to join us as well. The sights were amazing both below the ground and the fall colors above the ground. I continue to be overwhelmed and amazed by all the beauty and creativity that God put in this world! After our fun explorations we went out for a dinner filled with great conversation and lots of side-aching laughs. It was a Saturday well-spent and I was laughing at myself for feeling so pessimistic about having “no one to hang out with”.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
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