Happy Tuesday morning, everyone! Isn't Fall beautiful?! I have never appreciated the beauty of an autumn day quite as much as I have this season. In a move that is completely uncharacteristic of myself, I took a spontaneous drive through some gorgeous country with my windows down and the music playing last week. It was so nice just to forget about my school work, put away my phone, and enjoy the scenery that God has provided! Shame on me for not taking advantage of this before now! 20 years in, and I am finally taking moments to stop and look at a beautiful sunrise or to take a walk around the gorgeous changing trees. Thank you, God, for your breath-taking creation.
But along with the amazing autumn scenes, there are also gloomy days.. Windy, cold, rainy, gloomy days. Days where I don't want to get out of bed because I know that I won't get to stop moving or working until it's time for bed again. Days when I feel like I can't do anything right. Or to paraphrase Spurgeon, even days when the fires of tribulations would consume me, if not for the Lord to dampen the flames. But thankfully, we are promised that these days of trials will be cut short for God's chosen people. God chooses to look upon us with favor, and I ought to be forever grateful. As if taking all my sins and nailing them to the cross weren't enough, he continues to save me from tribulation. What a promise!
Often I am guilty of stopping right there. "Wow God, that's so awesome. Thank you for your promises!" But now, what will my reaction be? Thankfulness is definitely an appropriate response, but how will I show my thankfulness aside from just saying it? I think I am learning. Stopping to notice the amazing ways that God shows off everyday, deviating from my scheduled day to take a drive with Him, truly worshipping Him with my songs, taking advantage of the gift of prayer by interceding for loved ones, spending time in His word, sharing His Good News. For the first time, I feel like I am truly maturing. This season of my life has definitely brought circumstances that have matured me in worldly sense, I suppose. But more importantly, I have begun to really see God in ways that I never have. And I'm struggling to even put these thoughts into words, but I can say that I have grown. Thanks in part to the opportunity to experience and witness the trials of God's people and how He always delivers us in HIS way and in HIS time. Oh how deep the Father's love for us.
I've been writing this from my home away from home.. the Civil Engineering Study Lounge. When I got here, then sun was rising, and the wind was blowing. As I finish, I'm looking out these huge windows and can see the sun shining bright on the trees and the crystal clear sky above it all. What a blessing.
I hope everyone enjoys this gorgeous day that God provided. And smile a little bit, because I'm praying for you!
