Hey there friends,
Today I'm here to share that LOOK, it was beautiful, warm, and sunny on a winter day in Western Washington. Pure magic, huh? No joke though, it was over 70 degrees and warm enough for me to walk around barefoot on the beach. IN WINTER. I honestly can't handle the excitement.
In all seriousness, though, this is exactly what I needed. The weekend felt like an answer to prayer. After a full quarter of work 35+ hours a week and taking a full load of college courses, I've been feeling so drained (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). In my frustration, I just called out to God asking Him what is my purpose? Every day has been the same process, the same routine. Wake up, drink coffee, do last minutes homework, go to classes, talk to people, go to work, get yelled out, go home, do homework, sleep. Over and over and over. What is my purpose? Because it just feels like I'm going nowhere.
Instead of answering my question directly (He's already given me the answer, after all) He sent me peace in the form of sunshine and a dear friend willing to go on a spontaneous adventure.
My friend Demi and I got into her car o Monday, smoothies in hand and polaroids ready, and headed off to Deception Pass. It's a beautiful spot that I've visited year after year with my family, but never on such a clear and less busy day. We sat in the warm sun overlooking the water for awhile and just talked about everything other than school. Later on, we went down to the beach. Right away I took my shoes off and started running along the water, dodging waves and pebbles.
And it's day like these where God's goodness just overflows me with joy. The sunshine shows me what I was missing in the darkness.
It's so easy for me when I've stressed and overwhelmed to take it all and put it on my back. I don't want to ask people for help, I don't like calling up a friend when I'm crying to give me comfort. I so often forget to simply just ask the Lord for his guidance and peace. When all I'm doing is questioning Him, I'm not allowing Him to pour His love and peace over me and giving Him a part of the load to carry. But guys, we are not called to do this life all by ourselves. We are much too much of failures to do that.
So here I am, in a coffee shop staring out the window where rain once agains falls freely outside, yet I am reminded of the sun. I'm reminded that out of darkness, there is light. But most of all, I am reminded that my burdens are not mine alone.
I know dear friends that this life can be so hard, so so tiring. I know there can be so much darkness and hurt and loneliness. But it's so important in the midst of that, to remember who the light is. Remember who you can ALWAYS call out to and place your burdens on. (Hint, it's Jesus). Your burdens are not yours alone. He takes our failures and makes them beautiful. I think that's down right amazing, don't you agree?
AND on another note, finals are officially over for me!! *cue confetti* I leave for Ireland tomorrow night (Thurs. Mar. 15th), so if you want to follow me and my adventures, don't forget to check out my instagram!
Love you all so much,
Elizabeth
