The Car

       Today something exciting happened. My husband and I have spent the better part of the last 8 weeks working on re-painting our 1995 Honda Prelude. It used to be and old, man, gold color and has slowly been turning into a sporty shade of electric blue. The reason today was so big was because we were finally able to add the last swipe of polish and drive it home.
        Over these past weeks, both my husband and I have had moments of woebegone despair that we would never get done. Just when it seemed that the project was coming to a close, something would crop up and take time. So many times I just wanted to skim over things and call it good, but Luke would remind me that in order for it to turn out right, we needed to put the time in. And so, we plodded on.
       All of this has got me thinking about my own life. Over the past year or so, I have been in a rough spot. I've struggled with fear, doubts and anxiety about different things. So many times I would say, "God, can't you just make me feel better now?!" And yet, I realize that maybe, just maybe life is like that sporty, blue Honda. If I were to snap my fingers and rush through this growing process, things might not turn out as nice as they could if I sit back and allow myself to rest in the arm's of the One who showers me with His grace. He has plans for my life and yours. No matter what you may be going through right now, don't despair, you will come out on the other end. The one who painted the skies knows exactly what He is doing in the masterpiece that is your life.
     Then, one of these days that time will come. The last bit of polishing will be done and you will realize that you have made it through and you will be ready for the next adventure that God brings your way.
     So tonight, I encourage you to rest in the knowledge that you are in good hands. There are good things in store. And remember, no matter what, you are loved more than you will ever know. Sweet dreams.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." ~Frederick Douglass