This Spring Break, I got to go to Sarasota, Florida with CSF. Below are just a few things I've been reminded of over the past week:
First off, the trip was a total blast. I honestly wouldn't have changed a single thing about the entire trip. Literally, ever
y single thing we did was perfect. What I realized, however, is that it wasn't the beautiful sandy beaches, bright sunshine, or gorgeous turquoise water that made this trip so amazing...it was the people who were on it. I know that this trip would not have been even close to as much fun had it not been for the friends that I got to share it with. This week brought us all really close to one another and allowed existing friendships to be strengthened, as well as, new friendships to form. The fellowship was just wonderful and I'm already missing my "Sarasota Family!"
Every day was marked by time to just relax and enjoy God's creation. I honestly don't know how anyone could not believe in God after looking at all that He's made. Siesta Beach had the coolest sand (literally, it never got hot). Walking along the ocean's shore, I couldn't help but be in awe of the fact that God knows exactly how many grains of sand there are...that completely blows my mind. Not only that, but He knows me so intimately and loves me so much despite all of my imperfections and shortcomings.
This trip reminded me that I need to simply "be still." As Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." While we were in Florida, I was refreshed by simply "being still" and knowing that God is who He says He is and He will provide all things in accordance with His will. I often find myself trying to control my circumstances and get bogged down by the demands and stress that come with being at school. I struggle to be patient and wait upon the Lord and his perfect timing, as my emotions fluctuate like a roller coaster. I've been reminded that the things of this world do not matter at all and that Jesus is ALL I need. I've also been reminded that He will bless those who are patient and obedient and that all I need to do is surrender everything to Him and let His will be done in me. I pray that God would shape me, mold me, break me, and make me into the woman that He's created me to be and long to look more like Him at the end of each day than I did when I woke up that morning. Also, as Curt Vernon's song says, "I want to fall so in love with the name of Jesus that I forget my own." That is my prayer...that I would forget about everything that distracts me from being in love with my Creator.
Another thing I was reminded of is the responsibility I have in sharing the Gospel with everyone I come in contact with. On our way home, we passed a horrific car accident on the opposite side of the highway. A semi-truck jackknifed and a car went completely underneath it, with the whole top of the car peeled completely back. Just before we came across the accident, we were jamming to music, singing, and being silly. Then, as we saw dozens of flashing emergency lights, our van fell silent and we began to pray for all of those involved. Later, we found out that the dad passed away and the mom and two children were in serious condition. This was extremely upsetting and disturbing to see, yet, it was a reminder of the responsibility (and joy) I have in sharing the Good News with others. I was reminded how fragile life is and that it can be taken away at any instant...I need to be thankful for every breath God gives me and use my life to make a difference for Him. I need to be a light unto this world and live fully alive in Christ every single day. It's sad that it takes seeing a tragedy like the accident to remind me of this but I pray that it will stir me to share the Word with others and be bold about sharing my faith!
Finally, I am thankful that God is a lot better at being good than I am at being bad. I'm thankful for what He's been teaching me in the past few days and am clinging to Romans 15:13 as I try to be patient and trust in Him. I want Jesus to be my everything, to be the Author of my love story, and to be the only One I need!
"If anyone's in Christ, he is brand new. If anyone's in Christ, he is brand new. I am brand new. I am brand new!"
