Family

I recently enjoyed a wonderful (and slightly impromptu!) visit from my parents, Peter and Tadd this past Saturday through Tuesday!  It was an absolute joy to spend time with them, and give them a little taste of what my life is like here in Jackson - with some especially tasty tastes of Elk, Buffalo and local Trout.  My parents, brothers and I were able to experience some of the outdoor attractions that Jackson has to offer, come to church (both on Sunday morning and at youth group), and meet some of the people who are a part of my life here in Jackson.  Most importantly, we got to spend valuable time catching up on life and just being with each other!

Having family come visit reminded me of many things.  First of all, how thankful I am to have a family that loves and cares about me.  Secondly, that it is a priority to continue to family them a significant part of my life, and show that through my actions.  Finally, I was reminded that even though it isn't always easy to say goodbye to family and loved ones, we must continue to follow the path that God has called and is calling us to daily.  

Two Scripture passages have encouraged me in this in the past few days:

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it.  For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-15)

and

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30)

 I do not believe that God is calling us to an "easy" life here on earth.  He wants us to lose our lives (and re-order our priorities) to follow Him.  The first Matthew passage is pointing out that following Jesus is the uncommon thing to do, and it is not easy.  That being said, we are not alone on this journey.  Jesus helps us carry our load if we choose to follow Him, learn from Him, and enter into a relationship with Him.  While it is easy to longingly look back at the past, we must strive forward on this new journey with confidence that we have a companion that will never, ever leave our side!  Then, and only then will you find true rest and satisfaction.  

Some pictures from the visit...

The bros at dinner

At youth group with our Oreo creation

All of the Guys with Patty (and Roxie!)

Dad and myself

All of the guys snowshoeing

Mom and Dad on the trail!

Humbled

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  Ever since the creation of the world His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made." 

Romans 1:19-20a

Recently I have been absolutely awestruck by the beauty of where I live.  While my initial default is the prideful response of "look at what I get to do", or "my life is so amazing", I was convicted to think about how to respond to this in a humble and reverent fashion.  The above passage from Romans reminded me that this beauty pales in comparison to the "eternal power and divine nature" of it's Creator.  Spend some time and think about what the words "eternal" and "divine" mean when compared to this world.  After this, think about things in your life that give you a glimpse of your Creator, - whether that be people, nature, music, academia, or something else - simply give thanks, and grow in your awe of the Author of all things!