Jesus Moments

My grandpa used to tell me that living is what you plan for and life is what happens. I always agreed with this statement, but now I really understand what he meant. Life is not a predictable journey that is always sunshine and rainbows. Life is real. It is raw. It has grit. It is falling and getting back up again. It is crying, laughing, smiling, hurting, and everything else. Life is not the perfect highlights we see on an instagram feed, but rather the real moments that are shared between people and with the Lord. I’ve realized that life is a great journey with highs and lows. However, the fact that Jesus is embarking on this adventure with us never changes. His presence, plan, will, and promises never waver. Of all the moments in this life, my favorite ones are those when I feel the closest to God. The moment when I danced in my friend’s backyard and just played Jesus music as I stood in awe of the Lord. Those nights when I had the windows down, the summer wind blowing through the car and my hair, the night sky glimmering, and my praise music blaring. The times when I sat and just simply stared at sunsets that remind me of how present the Lord is and how He is constantly working. The time when I had a Bible study with my best friend and we praised the Lord together and danced. When me and my sister spent hours in the ocean, having long talks, and admiring the Lord’s beautiful creation. Long walks with my family when I sometimes take a step back and cannot thank God enough for them. Those long talks with friends that you never want to end. The feeling of running through a field and can feel life running through your veins. The moment at Church when the service is exactly what you needed to hear. The quiet moments with just the Lord. But also the moments of so many tears that you can’t even see. The hug from a friend after a horrible day. The broken friendship. Ruined relationship. Distant future. It is in all of this that Jesus can be found because He is working in every part of your life. I have always referred to these special moments as “Jesus moments.” It’s the moments where time seems to stop and the Lord’s presence is so deeply felt. It is when the Lord speaks so clearly to you. It is when life seems to slow down for a few seconds and you genuinely stop and smell the roses and revel in the love of the Father. I live for these moments. These moments remind me that I am living for something so much bigger than myself and my plans. We are living to bring glory to the Father and to expand the Kingdom. Sometimes we need reminders that we are here as Disciples and to look at the big picture because we often get so caught up in the mess of our day-to-day lives. However, your life is never too complicated for the Lord to simplify. Seek first the Kingdom of God. His timing is beyond perfect. He knows the beautiful masterpiece that your life is becoming. Through the trials you are being refined by Him. Friend, the best is yet to come. Everything God is preparing for you is worth the wait. Cling to that truth. Look for moments this week to have with the Lord. In the good and the bad, remind yourself that you have someone walking through this with you. You are never alone. Intentionally seek those moments where time seems to stop because you feel the Lord’s presence so deeply. Pursue Him.