It's been a few weeks, and what a full few weeks it's been. It's been an almost go-go-go schedule the entire time... which, knowing me, I soaked up every moment of the excitement. I think I've driven more in the past ten days than I have in the last month. Ok, maybe not quite. But in a day's time, I definitely did. The travels began with a trip to Ohio, to pick up some twin siblings of mine at a youth conference. That was about 10 + hours. That trip was.. a blast. Adam, my older brother, tagged along. It was the first long trip that he and I have taken together. It was a blessing.. we got quite a few good talks in, and of course, plenty of laughs. I think the past months I've kind of almost forgotten how incredible of a person Adam is. I see him as he lives life, fights for what he believes in, loves on people. But it's been such a long time since I've able to listen to his heart and what's on it. His viewpoint of life... it blows my mind. His compassion, his integrity, his joy, his contentment, his servanthood, his wisdom... yeah, I claim him. He's just a stellar of a person.
Alright, so after we picked up the twins from the youth conference, the four of us traveled to Detroit to spend a few hours of sleep at my grandma's house. The twins never stopped sleeping on the way to Grandma's, nor there, nor the rest of the way to upper Michigan. But Adam and I got a whopping four hours in. However, I never heard a complaint from Adam's lips. In fact, even in his fatigue, he continuously asked me how I was doing, if I needed rest, etc. He poured into me in such a natural way, it was energizing to stay awake together with him the entire time. We got to our final destination, our house in upper Michigan, mid afternoon--right in time for our family reunion. Sigh. We made it.
The rest of the week was spent just spending time with my family: some of the best people on this earth. The things we did, the places we went, the sights we saw.. it was just like replaying the memories I had from when I was a little tyke. I was refilled when I was up there. I was reminded to enjoy simplicity, again. And you know, I don't quite know why entirely, but soaking in the simple moments of life has been a struggle for me recently. It's like I've lost focus of His joy, or...claiming it. But vacation almost renewed the vibrant perspective that only Jesus can give. His abundant life. Why is it that we hunger and search, making fallible attempts to grasp satisfaction from this world, when we know that satisfaction is rooted in Jesus Christ? How is it that I have time after time, story after story, where God has proven Himself faithful, Himself worthy, and yet I still doubt that He can make me content, that He can give me abounding joy and peace? All I know is when I am in the center of His will, and am intimate with Him, abiding in Him, I have faith. I am confident that He satisfies. People are such emotion-driven creatures....
Welp, after that week of relaxation and recharge, it was time to head home--at least for me. I had one last stop to make: northern Iowa to drop Arie and Pete off at our summer camp for senior high week. While there (even for the short time I was), I was able to see some amazing people. Two of whom I haven't seen for months upon months; and some others, only a short time. Nevertheless, it was a breath of fresh air to be able to see them again. There's something that just energizes a person when they interact with other believers. It's the fellowship. I dig it.
So, I'm home finally. I can honestly say, it feels good to be here. To just be back to familiar territory and get back to work and spend time with friends. I don't think I realize how much I miss things until I'm reunited to them. My plans for this week--besides work and pouring into my fantastic bible study girls--is to finish up some packing and prep to move into my new house. Oh yes, I'm finally getting excited about. I mean, thrilled excited. I think it's time to move out of the ol' homestead and be a big girl. I'm also pumped to be roommates with one of my best friends. Yeah, God is faithful.
Anyway, it's time for Ally's bedtime.
Be sure to fear the LORD and to serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24
Goodnight,
Ally
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