All snuggled up, tuckered out from the days events. Dressing up, dancing alongside your classmates and dear friends, laughing till tears stream down your face. Halloween may not be my favorite holiday, but last night was one for the books. As I drifted off to sleep hearing quiet giggles and sleepy breathing, I couldn't help but thank Jesus for this life.
-
Lazy Saturday's - with my sunshine filled friend, Eve, looks a lot like getting the winter clothes out for layers - not those "Oh this is cute" layers... nah. The "we just need to survive the icy wind" layers. It also looks like brunch with a sweet bearded, gentle soul, Stephen. The grey that hangs over us is almost unnoticed. The wind is felt but doesn't keep us from enjoying a game of ultimate up the hill. School spirit is something I have never really lacked. And it wont decrease at this Bible school or in the winter. I love this place a lot more now that I can willing say it's hard to be here some days. If it was easy it wouldn't be right.
Eve and I made our way back to the big room got under our covers in hopes to find some sort of warmth after a few hours in the freezing November 1st weather that Knoxville has produced. I had to thank Jesus again for such good friends, ones that play on sports teams and rep Jesus no matter the score. Ones that can just be in the same room as me in silence and be ok. Friends that will let me be me, call me out when needed, and be such examples of what Jesus' love looks like.
I've seen what people think love is - and I'm sad about how wrong they were/are. I've seen, received, and do my best to offer love that reflects Jesus. Today - on this grey - first of the best winter months day - with Christmas music playing - and no phone to steal me away from being present - I am full of love. FULL OF IT. So thankful for last weeks battles, doubts, and discouragements. His word tells me if I keep pushing through for Him, live in excellence, and still praise His name in the hard things. I will be blessed. And I have seen that time and time again. So take heart. Do hard things. Listen to Christmas music if you are cranky. Buy a new scarf for warmth and not style. Go out of your way to thank people for being awesome - because you know how that made your day once - be that for someone else.
One day I wont wake up next to my best girl friends. Or be able to watch my friends from college play a sport they love. Or get to be lazy and young on Saturday mornings. So this is me telling myself not to waist it. Happy Saturday. Happy November. This is the season for thanksgiving. And I am so flipping thankful for my family here in this place. For a heartbeat that doesn't match anyone else's. And for weather that challenges me to find joy and warmth in others hearts. Dear almost 20 year old Chloe, live your life in thanksgiving always - not just because a Hallmark movie said to - instead do it because your Savior said to.
-
One day I wont wake up next to my best girl friends. Or be able to watch my friends from college play a sport they love. Or get to be lazy and young on Saturday mornings. So this is me telling myself not to waist it. Happy Saturday. Happy November. This is the season for thanksgiving. And I am so flipping thankful for my family here in this place. For a heartbeat that doesn't match anyone else's. And for weather that challenges me to find joy and warmth in others hearts. Dear almost 20 year old Chloe, live your life in thanksgiving always - not just because a Hallmark movie said to - instead do it because your Savior said to.
