Wednesday’s are my hardest and longest days this year. I
have four different classes, a five-hour lab class, and chapel. Because of
these commitments, I am usually looking at a day of about ten or more hours of
class. As a Chemistry/Biology/Pre-Med major, this commitment should be somewhat
expected, but not enjoyable.
Since today is a Wednesday, I woke up this morning absolutely
dreading the start of the day, because it seems to never end. Despite this, I
got up bright and early at 6:20, showered, and was ready to go at 7AM. Every
morning at 7AM I go out to my dorm’s balcony and spend a half an hour talking
with God and reading my Bible. Well, in being that I was particularly tired
this morning, my time seemed to move extra slow. While debating whether to take
the time with God or sleep an extra few minutes, I threw myself a pity party
about the day that I was approaching.
I am so grateful, that I decided to listen and take that
time to be with God. I truly believe that God will redeem the time that we
spend invested in him and in relationship with him. The verse that I was led to
this morning was in the book of Philippians:
“…for I have learned in whatever
situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to
abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty
and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens
me.
Philippians 4:11-13
Well you can
imagine my reaction to this verse, talk about being humbled!! The devotion that
I was reading continued to express that we as humans attempt to look beyond the
now, to a “better time”. We often think that once we finish this class, once we
are out of high school, once we have a solid job, once we are married, etc.
life will be better and more fulfilling then it currently is. Where this can be
detrimental, however, is that always looking ahead can cause us to miss out on
the moments of life. God wants us to be present in the moment, today, and to
help us to overcome the human tendency to look past and miss out on the moment.
This could not
have come at a better time because I had just finished praying for God to help me
make it to tomorrow, because tomorrow will be better and easier. God’s response
was: no! Enjoy today, you can find contentment today despite your weariness,
fear, and lack of strength. I am strong enough and will bring you through it,
lean on me, seek joy, and be thankful for the moments that I give you today.
Therefore, today,
my project will be making notes of all of the moments where God is present.
Each time I feel like complaining, I am going to look for joy and be thankful.
God is present in every moment.
I want to
challenge you to take on this Thankfulness project as well. Experience Jesus in
each moment, and I promise your life will abound with joy.
