{the best part of life}

Sometimes the best parts of life aren't the good things.

They aren't the happy, filled with joy moments.

Sometimes they arise from the really hard moments.

For me, the past few years have been at time consumed by a tough moment that has hung on with everything it has...that hasn't let go. But it has given me a new perspective. A new way to see myself. To see others. To appreciate those around me...to appreciate their flaws.

To forgive.

To let go of anger.

To hope for change...for a new beginning.

Today I had the privilege to hear one of my good friends give a message about being broken open. And how we really see God in those moments. How He meets us in those moments and fills up our broken places.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted 

and saves the crushed in spirit. 

-Psalm 34:18

I have been broken and I'm so thankful...for I have been shown a new way to live.

A new way to give thanks.

A new way to see myself in relationship to others.

And I know that no matter how long this hard thing hangs on for...even it if never goes away...I will be OK.

{the best part of life}

Sometimes when my mind is heavy with things I can't figure out, 

or explain, 

or find a solution for...

It helps to focus on the little things that bring me joy.

Signs of fall on our back patio...

A cool breeze through the open car window on my way to work...

A sweet vanilla-laced latte to start my morning...

 These little things are God's relief for a troubled and tired heart.

Peace I leave with you, 

my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, 

give I unto you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, 

neither let it be afraid.

-John 14:27

What are some of the simple joys that help to soothe your tired soul?

 

{the best part of life}

You make known to me the path of life; 

you will fill me with joy in your presence, 

with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

 -Psalm 16:11

I've walked this path for many years. It is on the college campus where I work. It winds through a beautiful backdrop of old trees and criss-crossing sidewalks. Along the path, there is an large tree swing made out of weathered wood planks, freshly painted white adirondack chairs for students to sit and study, and squirrels scurrying around searching for their next meal.

I especially love walking through the shadows stenciled onto the pavement by the dancing leaves. 

The path I use to deliver mail or visit the bookstore, now has a whole new meaning. I walk along it, sometimes taking shortcuts through the grass to the next piece of concrete, until I get to the other side of campus, where my boys are attending preschool. 

I feel blessed to have them so close to me during the day. 

This vast plot of God's creation being the only thing that separates us.

And for the opportunity to slow down after a long work day,
to appreciate the beauty of nature,
and anticipate the treasures that are waiting for me at the end of my journey.

Eternal pleasures indeed.

 

{the best part of life}

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

 my heart trusts in him, 

and he helps me. 

My heart leaps for joy, 

and with my song I praise him.

-Psalm 28:7

This past week provided some valuable lessons in trust for me. In times of uncertainty, of fear, of anxiety, it is tempting to worry and to think of the "what if's". I have been guilty of that on many occasions, but this week I worked very hard to have faith that things would work out in God's time and in His way.

Benny came down with a horrible cold earlier in the week.
We ended up in the doctor's office on Tuesday with the words pneumonia,
x-ray and hospital coming out of the doctor's mouth.
and a breathing treatment on the spot...

I would be lying if I said I didn't have some fear, worry
and anxiety in that moment.

But our doctor is SO wonderful. He calmed my fears and assured me that the breathing treatments would open up his airways and bring back the goofy, lovable Benny that was hidden underneath the wheezing and coughing.

I saw God in our doctor that day.

On Thursday it was time for preschool, but Ben wasn't quite ready to go back. Landon decided that he wanted to go by himself which made me proud and anxious all at the same time.

He was 100% excited...

So I buried my fear under a smile that matched his,
and trusted that he would be OK.

...my heart trusts in him, 

and he helps me.

After I shed a few tears walking back to the car, I felt an immense sense of joy and pride that I had raised this independent and confident boy. That he felt secure enough, brave enough to be left on his own.

My heart leaps for joy, 

and with my song I praise him.

Knowing that I can trust in God in these difficult and scary times is one of the best parts of life.

Has your trust in God been tested this past week?
Leave a comment below and let's encourage each other!