Monday, December 13, 2010

Affirmation: Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."

Whew! From the last time I doodled on here until now, the time has literally flown by. I finished my second semester of grad school and enjoying being at home with family and friends. I've been praying for some guidance during this break, even if it means to take five minutes out of my day and just have a heart-to-heart with God or spending my time wisely. These precious days of not really having anything to do are short, and I want to make the best of every day I am given.

Last week, my mom, myself, and her LifeGroup visited a nursing home in OKC. My mom and I baked cupcakes, the other ladies brought hot apple cider and traditional Christmas tunes. Most of the individuals living in this facility have no family and instead turn their community into their own family. I got to play bingo with them and hang Christmas decorations on their doors, and it was very rewarding. It's amazing that I was so homesick during finals week that I forgot to take the time to be thankful for everyone in my life that I call my family.

Another event that popped into my head was a little snippet of a conversation I had with a dear friend of mine. She was sharing her aspirations of going to school and becoming a great contributor within the medical field, and I the same. I remember touching on the fact that once I am finished with school, I want to find Mr. Right, get married, and have a family. She was almost taken back by this because she thought I wanted to get as much education as possible (i.e. PhD). For the past few years, my eyes have been dead-set on my career, which is equally important. It's been truly a struggle for me to not want to settle down, get married, and have babies tomorrow. I do want to fulfill my life in that manner, but school comes first... as of now. I see my friends and acquaintances getting married and raising a family; I even found out today that one of my childhood friends is pregnant. As much as I am happy for her to have recently gotten married this summer and then become pregnant this fall, I am equally jealous and disheartened. Those attributes are definitely not something I want to have on a daily basis.

And that's when I go back to Jeremiah 29:11.

I see this verse on a constant basis at times, but it is such a great affirmation to have. I know that God has a plan for me and there is a reason why I cannot see it just yet. I'm stubborn, because I do like to be in control, but I know that I need to let God be in control of this situation. There is a reason why I don't have these things and I can already name a few now that I think about it.

Thank the Lord (literally) that He knows the plans for me, not to harm me or forsake me, but to protect me, to give me hope and to give me a future that fits into His perfect plan. He is in control, and that's all the affirmation I need.

Much love,
Kelsea

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