Viewing the present with the future in mind

There are times when I stop and think back on my life. Granted, I am not that old so there is not too much to look back upon. However, 7 years ago I packed up my super classy green Aerostar and drove almost 400 miles away from my home of 13 years. I was 17 and had no idea what I was doing or why I was doing it. That seems like a lifetime ago. Since then I've lived in Watsonville CA, Montevallo AL, Escondido CA, and Helena AL. Are you seeing a pattern? Anyway, these past 7 years have been nothing but looking ahead to the next adventure. Early on, it was merely about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. The things I immediately felt like doing surely must be what I was supposed to do. I was quickly becoming a nominal Christian.

By the grace of God, my roommate Haley Evans in all of her beautiful fiestiness wouldn't allow for it. As a new Christian herself, she quickly rebuked me for being someone who was so blessed to be raised in the Christian faith but yet I was so lackadaisical about the whole thing. I wish I could say that changed me overnight but it was definitely a mighty big kick in the right direction. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I had no idea the journey that God was setting into motion for me. Harrison came along and has never ceased to be a spiritual counselor and mighty stronghold for me.

Fastforward to the present. There are times that I stop and think "Oh my gosh how has it been 7 years since I was alone in my dorm room in Fullerton?" and other times I think "How has all of this happened in 7 years? That was yesterday!"

There are a lot of people that I have come in to contact with over the years that say "I couldn't imagine being that far away from home" or "There is no way I could live that far away from my mom" etc. Quite frankly, there are times that I feel that way too.

All of us SHOULD feel this way. We weren't built to be away from our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Lord has really brought a lot of peace to me in this area. There are times that I want to sing "Like a good neighbor State Farm is there, with my mom!" but unfortunately those commercials do not tell the entire truth.

The Lord has called Harrison and I on this grand adventure to Belfast. There is so much excitement that surrounds it. However, there are times that the thought of being an ocean away from my parents and my sweet sweet niece make it just about unbearable. For a while, this made me have a little wrestling match with God in my heart.

However, if I cling to His promises and His Word all of this becomes one clear beautiful picture. In no way am I trying to be morbid, but realistically there is always a possibility that when I am on the move so much there won't be a time that I see these wonderful people in my life this side of heaven again. Often, my thoughts stop there. Often, that's why people cling to their comfort zones and do not follow the path the Lord has set out for them. Fear. Then, the Lord gently nudges me and reminds me of the second part of the equation.

HEAVEN.

This earth is a temporary place. Heaven will be an indescribable experience of praising our Savior for eternity. Who else will be there? Well I am glad you asked! Every brother and sister in Christ that has EVER lived. What a MIND BLOWING thought. No matter what happens while I am here on earth I will have the remarkable experience of spending an eternity with my loving family!

It has been my prayer since the day that my sweet niece, Harper, was born that she will come into saving faith. I want that beautiful girl up there with me. There are times that I get down about not being with her to see her grow, but I have to remind myself of the big picture and the wonderful promise that is God's covenant children. Heaven will be a place that all of those who followed God's plan will be to rejoice TOGETHER FOREVER. This has been such a comfort for me as I move into this next phase in my life.

That no matter what lies ahead the Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family that I know have saving faith in Him. Even if we can't be together as much as we would like now, we will make up for it in eternity! For now, I have to follow where God leads and that right now is Belfast.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Sarah