So I'm not much of a blogger, but I try. I usually keep blogs when I'm on some awesome project or mission or when I'm doing something absolutely crazy. BUT I figured an everyday blog of Me would be appropriate. I have been back from my most recent adventure in South Africa for just over 3 months now. For the last couple weeks the weather in Southern California has been crazy! Hot one day, cold the next, it changes all the time! While everyone else complains about the weather, or at least gets irritated with the inconsistency, I cannot help but smile because it reminds me of Port Elizabeth. The City of Four Seasons. The city where the weather changes constantly, you have no choice but to layer your clothes for the day.
I smile when I experience the inconsistent weather because it takes me back to my time in South Africa. It takes me back to the people I served with, the people I met with, the craziness of witnessing how God works, but mostly it reminds me of what Joy and Peace are. Yup, the inconsistent, annoying, weather changes reminds me of joy and peace. Let me explain.
When my team was getting ready to leave, as sad as it was, I had an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. Peace that God was going to continue to work in Port Elizabeth. And Joy because our awesome God allowed me to play a massive part in furthering His Kingdom. It was my prayer upon returning to Irvine that I would continue to experience this Peace and Joy, and Praise God, He has answered my prayer. Amongst all the studying, working, facebooking, and other distractions of this world, God has sustained Peace and Joy in me, that is only found in Him- the One who came to save us from ourselves, the One who died for me, a sinner, the One who sacrificed His own life to give us ours. Isn't there enough Joy in that? Sometimes I think No, but in all honesty, Yes it is enough.
Currently my iTunes is on shuffle, and Tim Hughes song "Take the World" is playing... "You could take the world, just give me You". Beautiful. Truth-because at the end of the day that's all we have anyways, right? We could get an A+ on all our exams, $46 in tips at our part-time job, hit every green light while driving, but when it comes down to it, when we consider what really counts, all the above, seem worthless.
So when the whether is crazy, in the midst of inconsistency and frustration, in the world, I will smile and Praise God, because my Lord, my Savior, has given me Peace and Joy!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." -Romans 15:13
