Overwhelmed

My friend, Liz, is really bad at keeping secrets. Not important secrets, but secrets that are exciting. For example, when I was in her wedding she could not wait to just give me my bridesmaid gift, but showed me online what she had ordered because she was so excited about it, and even showed it to me once it got to her. It's not a bad thing, just funny. So the other day when she said to me, "You will be getting a present in the mail soon," my immediate response was, "Don't tell me what it is!" And she did very well, and kept the secret.

It took a while for the package to arrive, so when I walked in and saw it a couple of days ago I was not expecting it. It was a rather skinny box that had a brand name on it followed by the tagline, "Pimsleur means language." What? I opened it to find a Romanian language course! I could not believe it! It was such a surprise. And after getting over the initial shock of opening the gift I was overwhelmed by the generosity and selflessness with which is was given. I do not think I have ever received such an extravagant gift. (These things are not inexpensive.) I am humbled by what this gift means. I knew that Liz believes in me and supports what I am doing without her getting me a present, but this just shows it. It reminds me how much Christ loves us and that He demonstrates that love for us in so many ways, not the least of which was dying to take our sins and conquering death on our behalf.

As the trip gets closer I am also starting to get overwhelmed by the details. Well, really the lack of what I know about the details. I am a planner by nature and having so many unknowns is usually not my style. Part of me loves the adventure aspect of it, but there is also a part that is getting nervous. Nerves are not all bad, but I do not want to let worries take away from what the Lord is doing. He tells us to "not be anxious about anything," (Philippians 4:6-7) and explains how He takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, then asks "Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:25-34)

As worrisome thoughts come I am reminded to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5) and am reassured by His grace and love. I ask for your continued prayers as I continue on this journey. I am still so excited and want so badly to deliver His love letter.