A Year of Connection

It's hard to believe that we are coming to the end of another year. This year flew by and was jam-packed with events including a bridal shower and then a wedding for our daughter. 

It has also been a year of open doors for me as I tried to settle in and work on my connections to the Lord, to others and to the purpose God has for me. I've been thankful for these doors because they are all so interrelated.

I would say that the past two months have been the hardest as different unexpected circumstances have happened which caused a disruption in my life. But then again, the Lord reminds me of the desire I had to do a better job of connecting with other people which includes my family. And I'm also reminded that sometimes things happen beyond our control and it's how we deal with those interruptions that either strengthens or weakens us.

I had a bit of an epiphany last night as I realized that I was doing a lot of anxiety-ridden activity and trying to solve problems in my own strength. The Lord reminded me that either I trust Him or I don't, and if I say I trust Him then I need to be still and let Him work. And that means being patient and letting Him do that in His timing.

It took me a week or two to get to that point, but I'm thankful I got there. This morning I opened to Psalm 62 and verses 5-8 says,

Rest in God alone, my soul, 

for my hope comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; 

I will not be shaken.

My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock.

My refuge is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;

pour out your hearts before Him.

God is our refuge.

The word rest means be still, quiet or cease which was a good reminder to me. I need to be still before the Lord and rest in Him only. Not in my own effort, my busyness, my striving to work things out - God ALONE. And when I'm trusting in Him alone then that's when I will not be shaken by my circumstances.

God is faithful and good. I am thankful that throughout this past year, He has met me in my desire to connect. I am thankful that I have been stretched and have grown. I am continuing to pray that I would keep moving in this direction, despite my tendency to get distracted.

It's been a year of connecting and leaning in to what the Lord has for me. It's been a good year. As we get ready to move into the new year, I am praying about the new year. I am looking forward to the continued movement of God in my life.