this crazy life

I do crazy things. Many of the crazy things I've done might be categorized as "dangerous", I'm sure I'll agree when I have kids.  I explore foreign cities alone, I host strangers, I have jumped off cliffs, I make long road trips in a car that doesn't always start, I still eat food even if I find a hair in it, I drive long distances to meet up with friends for a few hours, I wake up at ridiculous hours to watch worldwide historic events, I sleep in airports, I leave airports to explore the city if my layover is longer than 5 hours, I climb trees and rocks, I frequently stop on the side of the highway to take pictures...the list goes on. When I hear other people talk about horror stories with travel I can't decide if I have just been spared these dramas or if it is truly a difference of perspective. God has shaped me into who I am today through my crazy adventures.  Through these experiences I have learned to not be afraid of trying new things. I have learned to be flexible and to face the inevitable hiccups and curve balls in life as new challenges worth working through and learning from. I have learned to expect the best from people -with discretion- before I assume the worst about them. I have learned that time with people is worth the trip to meet up with them. I have learned that God does provide in more ways than we realize. I have learned that everyone has a story worth hearing and providing a listening ear is of great value to those who receive it. I have learned to not live in fear of strangers, of catastrophe or of change, but to learn from them (Prov. 3:25). I have learned that some things are worth loosing sleep over. I have learned that not everyone shares my perspective. 


I am still learning. I attribute my experiences, the lessons learned and the perspective I am gaining as from the Lord. And I am thankful. I expect and hope that He will continue to grow me and teach me through my crazy experiences. 


I am about to embark on a new adventure. In just a few short weeks my comfortable routine is about to be disrupted…again. My life is about to change. As I write, I realize that every day has the potential to be a day that changes your life forever. Something dramatic could happen or something as mundane as a conversation with an old friend could stick with you and effect your decision making, thus altering the course of your life. There are plenty of questions swimming in my head as I face the changes ahead, but my excitement outweighs my fear because I live in communion with a God who does not change despite the changes life throws at me. I worship a God who has a purpose and plan for my life however crazy or seemingly mundane it is. With excited anticipation I look forward to the crazy life that lies ahead!


Oh, and for those who are curious, I don't yet know where I am going next.


"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12


"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath." Hebrews 6:17

"Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

“...a sweet friendship refreshes the soul...” ~Prov. 27:9 (the Message)

In Wednesday night ladies Bible class, the lesson was about being thankful for friends. As we read scriptures about friends and talked about where we make friends and the random friends that come across our path, I couldn’t help but smile. A smile stayed on my face throughout the remained of the lesson as I thought through all of the different friendships that have made and impact in my life. Some friends that I may never see again. Friends met on airplanes, trains, buses, who served as friends in transit, in times of confusion, in times of peace. When I needed a friend, a friend was provided. Friends that I’ve known my entire life, without whom I can’t imagine what life would be like. Friends from high school, college, grad school, jobs, family friends, my parents’ friends whose impact I have inherited. How can I not be thankful! What would life be like without these relationships? I pondered all this with a smile, realizing that I don’t have to wonder what life would be like, because my life is rich with precious relationships! Yes, I indeed have plenty to be thankful for.

I have just passed my halfway point for my 13 week contract in Front Royal, VA. Already God has blessed me with some life-long friends here. Some of you may recall I had a bit of a rough start with this placement, but it is these friendships that have made a difference and changed my perspective about my experience here. This will be another place that I recall fondly. I will have reason to come back here for a visit. This isn’t my home, but I have found a place and a purpose here. I have a family here.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” - C.S. Lewis

Shenandoah National Park