Oh...living in Northern Iowa.
The week of Spring Break was so glorious in C. F. A few days, I think the temperature reached 70 degrees! I was out and about, taking walks, getting the dog out, enjoying life, in awe of God's glorious creation. After convincing myself that I most definitely suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), considering how much BETTER I felt with a little warmth and sunshine, I was feeling good!
Today, it's April 5. And there's about 2 inches of snow on the ground. Luckily, my heart has been filled with other things, like a wonderful worship service this morning and a relaxing end of the weekend with Andy to worry/complain/be sad about a spring hiatus. In fact, as Andy and were driving home from the grocery store, cursing he "stupid" weather, I was suddenly reminded that the snow was created by God. Brought to us by God. Intended for us, on this day, at this time. Instantly, I got over myself. Yes, it's colder than I would like. But the warmth will come again. It was just another example of my need to remember that everything is part of God's plan :-). Even when I think that a minute detail like snow on April 5 is unnecessary. 0:-). But, alas...it's not my plan!
In other news, Andy and I both anticipating the end of the semester. It's been a tough year for Andy and we could both use a restful summer. Right now we're trying to decide how to celebrate our first anniversary! I'm excited to have Andy here ALL summer (his first full summer in C.F.!) and can't wait to have a chance to spend my time in a different way at work. While I love the busyness and constant change during the school year, the most accurate description of my daily life is hectic. During the summers, I'm able to develop different skills and spend my time being more creative.
Since I've used the word "anxious" twice in this post, I thought it was time to look up Scripture related to that topic (yet again...certainly not the first time I've looked to Scripture for guidance with anxiety. I think "anxiety" could be my middle name). Here is what stuck out:
"The Lord is with you when are with him. If you seek him, He will be found by you." 2 Chronicles 15:2
I love that passage because it reminds me time and again that when I take time and discipline myself to spend time with Scripture, my heart and mind are satisfied in a way that I can never find in anything else. And the good Lord knows I've tried my whole like to find other (usually destructive) ways to satisfy myself. Just this afternoon, I experienced this again. I have to admit that reading Scripture is routinely overwhelming. But this afternoon, as I opened my Bible, I found myself so eager to read. I ended up finishing Luke, a Gospel I had been reading for months. Praise God for giving me such a desire :-).
Now I'm off to start my week with some Sunday evening meetings.
In love and peace,
Ashleigh
