Well... for me, this week, was a tough one. I won't go into details. I'll save the WORLD wide web from all my personal info, but I will say it wasn't easy. However, I don't look on my "hard" week as if I'm the only one. And really, compared to other weeks of life, this probably wouldn't even rank in the top 10. But nevertheless, I didn't just sail through. Point being, you ask? "Katie - why all this 'beating around the bush?' " I'll tell you why - the hope of a game!
Today is/was Good Friday. The day we celebrate the death of Jesus Christ. I tried to be conscience of what this day was, who it was we were celebrating, and what He came to do, and did. Through out the day I would grab a hold of my cross necklace I was given at my baptism. Remembering the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank Him, and make conscious efforts to rest in Him. But oh how I allowed myself to be swayed by the winds of life's storm. (deep - I know)
For real though - today just wasn't great. I haven't been so ready for a weekend. Then I had dinner with the roomies after work. That was nice. Then I went to watch those dearly beloved Indiana Hoosiers. I had been anticipating the game more this year than in year's past. I filled out brackets this year, watched the Hoosiers & followed their season. Really cheering for my boy DJ White. I also hadn't been in my community (my House Church) for a couple weeks. I just got back from Florida on Monday and missed a couple Wednesdays. Anxious to see them, I went to watch them game.
Boy were they in for a treat. I was SO grumpy. I kept watching the game in utter amazement that we just couldn't pull ahead. When people would offer me hope, I would shoot them down. It was as if my mind was set on the day ending badly- with a bad bracket and a bad game. Well both were accomplished. My hope, a good IU win, was gone. They lost.
So what happens next? I say goodbye to my friends, who I didn't even enjoy because of my mood, and walk out of the apartment. Immediately tears well up in my eyes. Thankfully that didn't happen there, but there was some deep stuff brewing. I really hadn't put my hope in Jesus. And really its not even an hour later I write this to you but there is a bigger peace. Although, tears could come a drop of a hat, and the issues that were on my mind before still are.
But the Holy Spirit has a way of "calling us out". Of saying "whoa nelly - that's where your hope is?" I mean, my hope really wasn't in the game, but it was almost as if I was subconsciously begging God "Please let IU. Please give me an up point". Alas - they didn't. But the song that continues to play in my head is "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow." Praise the Lord, amen?! I do want IU to win - I'm still sad they didn't.
But when I think of things above, and not below, perspective changes. Circumstance may not change, and people may not change, but perspective can and really some days a different perspective, a different way of thinking about things, makes a world of difference.
And with that I bid you a happy Good Friday & a Happy Easter. In a day we'll celebrate His giving us life. Oh how awesome it is to be loved by Him. Help me soak that in. Help me keep things in perspective.
Baraka Kibau,
Katie
ps- things are still happening in Kenya. please keep praying. pray for peace to pass in the government and among the people.
pps- this is a pic from Florida. The trip was amazing & mom & I had a blast for about 5 days in Marco Island.
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