Only I can tell my story. And the older I get, I realize more and more how my story is about who God is and what He does in each of us. And part of what He does is provide comfort. "Deep and enduring, powerful beyond all imagination." I've experienced that comfort this year.
One year later, this November feels so different.
One year out, I'm still trying to process it all. I had hoped that three months would go by and I'd be back to my normal self. But I'm realizing that what I'm living right now is a new normal. And what I do with the new normal will determine my next season. In the good seasons and the bad, we have the opportunity to experience God in a new way. And He's that big. He's big enough, complex enough, to experience Him in a new way in every season. In your next season, may you experience Him in a new way. This year, I've experienced His ability to comfort.
One year later, this November feels so different.
I know what it's like when the things that always used to make you happy don't do the trick anymore, because they can't break through the sadness and fear that are covering over everything in your life. I was there, and I'm not there anymore...But you'll get through this, and you'll find yourself in an entirely new place... Shauna NiequistNovember 27, 2012 I lost my apartment to a fire. I wouldn't say I was materialistic and lost a ton of high priced things (let's be honest- my two couches combined cost a total of $100) but I did love my stuff. And the things I lost meant a lot to me. In the last 365 days, life has been different. I'm different, I'm in a new city, everything I own is new, and my relationship with God is new. And in the newness of life, I'm learning that our story is all we have. How will I steward my story?
One year out, I'm still trying to process it all. I had hoped that three months would go by and I'd be back to my normal self. But I'm realizing that what I'm living right now is a new normal. And what I do with the new normal will determine my next season. In the good seasons and the bad, we have the opportunity to experience God in a new way. And He's that big. He's big enough, complex enough, to experience Him in a new way in every season. In your next season, may you experience Him in a new way. This year, I've experienced His ability to comfort.
My prayer for you is not that you live a life that's only sweet and never bitter, but that in even the bitterest of moments, you will find the comfort of Christ, deep and enduring, powerful beyond all imagination. -Shauna Niequist
Hi MInda,
ReplyDeleteA new normal = a hard adjustment. Wise words, well spoken.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with fun memories and experiences!
God bless,
JoAnne