Beautiful Life

I hope I'm not misunderstood, but something I've learned is that a relationship [a deep, life affecting relationship] with Jesus is bitter sweet. With Christ I have gained everything. But many times I've had to give up things I've desired in my stronger desire for the Lord and His Peace. These past two years have been the best and most challenging of my 23 young years. I've had to cancel a dream of a life of serving in missions for a year with a best friend, let go of plans and hopes, find closure,  and given up my idols that I found my worth in. In the last two weeks, because of an overwhelming feeling in my spirit, I've had to give up my sweet boyfriend who became my best friend, who was a walking example of what it was to be JOYFUL and thankful no matter the circumstance. In the past week I've been accepted into taking part in an organization that will be doing life changing mission work in the Congo(Africa), forfitting American life, my friends and family, and embark on a journey completely alone for months. Many of these things have been hard this past year or two, and although some of these things have felt like loss at first, I feel I have gained so much more and am consumed by God's peace. I have gained a knowledge that my identity is not in things, friendships,works or education. That life does go on after heartbreak of any kind and healing can come. That lost dreams aren't failures, but a redirecting by the One True Guide who is a lamp to our sometimes scared and shaky feet. That God's delays are not no, but YES in His time and His version, not our plan of how things should go. I've learned that obedience to my God isn't a loss at all, but an eternal gain. I have learned that God will guide me regardless, even when I doubt myself, or feel like I might have heard Him wrong and worry. Even though I'm shaky, He is constant and strong and will forever be worthy of my trust and dedication. My God loves me [and you] more than we could ever even try to love Him back. He is worthy of all of our life, love and thankfulness. Life and all it entails is bittersweet, but the sweet is so much sweeter with Jesus. Life is so so beautiful. TRUST. TRUST. TRUST. :o]