Three Years

I know it's been a while since I posted...I have had a lot of exciting projects in the works. Not ready to share details yet, but suffice it to say I am in the process of putting my foot in the Jordan. I can't wait to see how God will move!

Anyways, this week marks three years of my life in Charlotte. Three years of living the dream of being a physical therapist, after many years of (literal) blood, sweat, tears, and school. Three years of meeting amazing people. Three years to transform my heart, my life, and my values.

During my runs this week, my thoughts have waxed more and more reminiscent and slightly sentimental. Surely God was majorly at work in me even though I didn't really know Him yet, guiding me to Charlotte in my job hunt. I moved here not knowing many people, knowing the city a little bit, not really knowing God.

The following verse came to mind:

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " (Jer 29:11)

The verse is like a spiritual warm fuzzy. Yay, let's not worry, because God's in charge so we'll never experience trouble or pain or harm. Don't worry about moving across the country alone, it's just part of God's plan (insert saccharin voice here).

As much as I love that verse, it's a little empty and vapid...until you read the next two verses.

" 'Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.' " (v 12-13)

My friend Polly, an English teacher, once mentioned something that stuck with me about these verses...THEN. Then implies that you believe this promise and change your thoughts and actions, even when you don't see the results or the plan. Then is an instruction manual for how to fully realize the promises of 29:11. Verses 12 and 13 are active, implying present and future action...You WILL call and seek, then God WILL listen.

Verses 12 and 13 give us responsibility. We can't just believe God's got this great story for us and sit on our couches eating bon bons and waiting for it to happen. As much as I believe grace is a gift, being faithful and obedient daily amidst the easy sin of our world is a choice...a choice with much responsibility. Seeking God is our responsibility.

Looking back over the past three years, over all that I have experienced and accomplished, I can say that I am most proud that I have accepted Christ and honestly desire to surrender my life to Him. I have good days and bad days, for sure. And although I am (and will always be) a work in progress, I am in process of seeking God daily, calling on Him daily.

I'm seeking Him and His promises. With everything my broken, wicked heart's got.

Because the more I learn about Him, the more I'm hooked. I can't get enough!