{Day 348}

Where to start?  That’s usually what I ask myself when I sit down to write.  I’ll ask someone nearby for ideas but for some reason skydiving didn’t seem like the best option for today’s post. 😉  I could talk about how last week was a hard week because of my sin but I doubt that will really do any good either.  So instead I’ll share with you a little story of how my heart is growing.  Because hope is always a better option.  Because dwelling on my sin won’t change me but looking to Jesus will.  Several months ago a godly older woman was writing me and I was explaining to her how God was teaching me new levels of trust.  It all started with this post which has since been developing in my mind.  One of the things that stuck with me from her email was this:  hands out and palms up to the Lord.  The idea being that when we live surrendered lives Jesus is able to give what we need and take away that which we don’t.  It may sound silly but there are times in my day when I physically have to put my hands out with palms up to remind myself that God is in control and I am not.  Why do I try and take control when surrendering really gives me so much more peace?  Why do I fight it?  Yet, there is grace and patience with Jesus.  It’s incredible and makes my heart sing when I rest in him.  When I fully let go and trust my life to him it really does make things better.  Basking in his beauty and faithfulness that is displayed all around me and holding my hands out in praise is always a better option than being closed fisted.  Isn’t rest always better than inner turmoil?  Since he says he is peace and I know that to be true I’m going to run to him and hold out my hands.  Because I have nothing to give him except my broken self while he has everything to give me, himself.  The God who holds galaxies in his hands holds me and sings over me.  Astounding.  Do I trust him?  Yes, but I’ll always be going to deeper levels of that trust.

(Photos by: Christa Taylor)