Today is the Day

At the end of our 4th week here, it's time to stop and reflect and then look forward.

It hardly seems that almost a month ago we arrived here in Costa Rica. My goodness the time has flown by! Every week has seemed to be a different stage in adjusting to and learning to love and appreciate this new life, not to mention learn more spanish and experience this country.

Every week we do something different, meet someone new, speak new words, grow and learn about love. It seems that no matter how much time you spend around someone, if you are daily making the effort to run after Christ, He will work through them in some way or another. I can't help but love these people more everyday.

So, in light of that... I seem to be asking myself- What have I learned so far that will affect how I spend the rest of my time here? Will I continue to make a conscious effort to live in the moment everyday and live to be a blessing in the lives of others?

It seems so easy to remain caught up in ourselves and focused on OUR daily needs, instead of the needs of those around us. I am no exception to that statement, especially in a place like this where there always seems to be a long list of things to focus on besides making the best of every moment. We live in a culture driven by the future, and we live in our tomorrows, and not in our todays. Think though how much we miss by doing this! We miss the beauty of being exactly where we are, glorifying God, and giving 100% of ourselves to the people around us, which is indeed what we were created to do.

God uses all things and all circumstances for HIS glory... and here is something else that is vitally important- we are reminded in the Word that even when life seems full to the fullest of difficult circumstances, we are encouraged, IN all things give thanks, even when we're not thankful FOR all the things going on. There is a difference. Just as happiness is temporary, while joy remains through all things.

Our joy increases daily, and God's sovereignty becomes our saving grace and our hiding place.

In light of that, today is the day to embrace living in the view of eternity, right now in this moment, loving others unconditionally and honoring God through all things.