so this is joy

So i was writing cards and when this song came up on my laptop... so simply. And in that moment i stopped writing, sat up, and just kind of smiled. Not like a hearty laugh or anything, just a smirk and chuckle. and I realized here's God telling me, "this is joy." granted, I just finished the semester and I smile b/c i know it's by his grace that I made it through. The storm came and went and the Lord & I are still left standing-- and it dawned on me that it's gonna be like this for the rest of my life. Whatever storms come and go, by his grace I will stand by Him when it passes. there is a certain peace which transcends understanding in that notion.

Jeff Mabute describes peace not just as a picturesque landscape of the beach or trees or flowing rivers, rather we as baby birds in a rainstorm as our Father covers us with His wings. I think learning to see and understand this second sense of peace is something I need to grow in-- and hopefully in time, I'll be able to.

I look at the story of the Bible of God pursuing us giving us chance upon chance.... first in Eden, then with Noah, then with Moses, and finally the Messiah-- and what a beautiful story and picture that paints. That while we "in sin and error pining" [pining (v) - to suffer with longing] a Savior was born to justify us once and for all.

I'm speechless. thanks be to God.