Second Birthday

Today is a special day - yes it is St. Patrick’s Day, but It’s also my second birthday!  On this day 44 years ago, I invited Jesus into my heart and it was the single most important thing I’ve ever done!  I couldn’t help but reflect on this as I’ve gone about my day today.  It’s been a busy day already - but oh how blessed it’s been!

I started off this morning in typical fashion, getting to camp early to guide the guest group that had been with us all weekend, through breakfast and make sure their stay was a pleasant one.  After that, I took off for church!  As I walked in and saw the greeters all in green it hit me what day it was!  As I worshipped with the music, during the last song I took a long pause, bowed my head and thanked God for so many years of being by my side.  I would not be where I am or who I am without his constant companionship and guidance.

I’ve done quite a bit of soul searching over the last year and a half and have learned a lot about myself and about the Jesus that I’ve relied on my entire life.  It hasn’t always been easy - for me or for HIM I’m sure!  Nevertheless, His love, compassion and forgiveness is real and right there for anyone to accept because He loves like no other!

As the church service came to an end, I was to stay for dinner and then begin practice for our Living Last Supper drama that the church puts on every year.  I am blessed to be able to portray Mary this year - boy was that a surprise!  Those of you that truly know me, understand that my natural tendencies definitely lean toward Martha, but God is definitely stretching me and teaching me how to become more like Mary and this opportunity is one of the best ways to ingratiate myself to that way of thinking.  Once again, God showing me that He is still in my heart and guiding me - even after 44 years of life - the good, bad, ugly and beautiful!

As I was driving home, on a road that I drive numerous times during the week, I noticed something that I’d never seen before.  This road winds around a lake and at one point where it’s the highest, you can see just through the trees in the distance miles upon miles of mountains.  Now, it is a beautiful, sunny and clear day today so it seemed I could see forever!  I was awe struck at the beauty and humbled by the fact that “this is where I get to live!”  I thanked the Lord for this beauty out loud and also said I couldn’t believe I’d never seen it before!  It was then I heard this still small voice say to me, “Lori, this was for you today- this is the way I intended - this is how I’m showing you that I love you - farther and wider than you can ever imagine.” Jesus.

It’s hard to know what to say after something like that, but I know one thing for sure - the last 44 years, every up and every down has been worth it and I can’t wait to see what the next 44 holds!

Praying each of you has Jesus as your companion, Praising Him for the everyday blessings and Pondering His love!