In the Mess, I am Blessed

     Ever feel like you just can't keep up? Sometimes life can turn into a crazy mess. The current status of my life...college, applying for a job, in a relationship, trying to pay bills, keeping up with house chores, trying to find a car, and the list goes on. It seems like a never-ending cycle of...well, I guess it is part of becoming an adult.

     I cannot help but remember the story of Joseph, and what a mess his life was from the outside looking in. He was betrayed and deserted by his family, exposed to sexual temptation, and punished for doing the right thing. He also endured a long imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped. I love this story not because of what Joseph went through, but it was his response to it all. He did not spend much time asking why, in fact, his approach was "What shall I do now?"(Genesis 30-50)

     In times of what feels like insanity, I am constantly reminding myself to take a step back and count my blessings. So many times, we get caught up in our daily lives and are focused more on what has to get done today, in order to make it through tomorrow, and that is when we lose sight of God's blessings and His faithfulness.

     "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

     What matters is not so much the circumstances and events in this life that we have to juggle, but our response and perspective of them. Even while some days seem like too much, I will choose to be thankful for all that leaves me begging for more Jesus and His strength!

Valentine's Day is Still Happening?

     How am I suppose to spend a day that is meant for couples? I thought that since I am single and important, that Hallmark would just call off the holiday until I found love. No? This is slightly depressing, but I have to manage somehow. I'm sure that some of you can relate ;)

      Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, "I want you to be free from the concern's of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible."

      Paul is saying that one advantage of being single is the potential of a greater focus on Christ and his work, and being able to serve Christ wholeheartedly with fewer distractions. Be encouraged by this today, and this week as Valentine's Day is approaching.