Beautiful

I happened to be in the car at times so that I heard this song (Mercyme's Beautiful) twice yesterday. Brought me to tears both times, so I figured I'd share it.

Haiku: To the Audible Breather Next to Me in Spin Class

I pedal so fast

But it is not fast enough

To shake your whistling

Moments

There were moments this weekend that seemed like jewels. They were so beautiful, but, being moments, they were fleeting. I think that makes them seem even more precious.

-Hanging out with a new friend, even though the movie we saw wasn't that great
-Joking, laughing, talking, snuggling, etc. with my sweetie
-The mellow, yummy feeling of a birthday brunch
-Riding in the car with my sweetie: windows down, sunroof open, Miles Davis on the stereo, and my head on his shoulder
-Coming home to a tidy treehouse stocked with groceries and clean laundry for the week
-Celebrating my church's 30th anniversary with great music and an inspiring sermon...and cakeballs!
-Catching up with a friend I haven't seen in a loooong time

I hope I can keep these in mind as my week gets underway. What are some of your weekend jewels?

One of My All-Time YouTube Favorites

A friendly reminder to enjoy the simple things in life, like this lil' guy:

To Trust

I am learning more and more lately what it means to trust God. This is a struggle for me, as I'm quite the control freak. Not only do I need to know when, where, and how things will happen, I also would prefer to have a role in deciding these factors.

I realize the ridiculousness in such a mindset, and yet it's proving very hard to break away from. However, as God is in the business of making believers more like Him, He's given me quite a few opportunities for growth in the past year or two:

-Unemployment: After I was laid off, I could no longer count on a job. It really was God who provided for me financially during that time (through my savings, unemployment benefits, and my generous parents). When I worried over money, there was always a solution.

-Anxiety: If you've ever had a panic/anxiety attack, you know that your thought process quickly turns into an irrational spiral of what-ifs, I-shoulds, etc. Things feel surreal and icky, to say the least. To know that there are times when I can't rely on my thoughts has brought me closer to the Lord. I have learned that at all times, I can rely on His word, and His promises for me. They are far more steadfast than my flawed mind and body.

-Any change: From a new workout routine to a new career, God has challenged my adaptability in matters small and large. Will I be flexible, or will I break? When I lean on Him, turn to Him, and seek the counsel of other believers, I can stretch much more easily.

For me, I've also noticed that trusting God becomes easier when I recall the countless times He's "come through" for those in the Bible, and for me in my own life. He is so faithful. It's part of His divine character!

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock Eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Wow. I want to shoot for that.

Busy!

Whew! This week has really helped me relate to all those people I hear saying, "There just aren't enough hours in the day!"

Work has been busy, in a good way. Last month, I moved 6 loads. This week I've already done 5! I love all the little details that go into doing my job. I enjoy my boss and my co-workers so much. I love talking to the customers, the dispatchers, even the truckers! Yesterday I had a customer- a crusty Noo Yawker, no less- tell me "You did a good job" with a difficult load he had to move. I also had a trucker tell me to "put a gold star by [my] name" for giving him directions to a location. Everything happened according to plan. I even made enough in gross profit to earn a tiny commission, for the first time ever!

After work, it's exercise, dinner, a never-ending supply of dirty dishes, and a to-do list lacking the satisfaction of having everything crossed off. I try to make progress on a painting for my brother. I get out my stationery, determined to answer a letter from a sweet friend. I open my Bible, to prepare for my small group meeting this week. But- but- it's so late! And the morning comes so quickly. Dirty workout clothes litter my floor, tangled with my heels worn to work. My trash is full, so I smush it down to try to fit in just one more little thing....

And then the weekend arrives. I celebrate by making a frozen pizza and watching one of my favorite DVDs, Eagle vs. Shark. This morning, I ran 4 miles. Along the way, I found a cool old wooden crate someone had put out for the garbage! I washed my car, and filled up the gas tank. I cleaned my apartment. I did a little shopping. And tonight I'll get to hang out with a new friend! Tomorrow will be a day for laundry, family, church, and games. As for Labor Day, I don't know what I'll do...but I will definitely appreciate the extra day off to relax.