“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
What’s crazy is that like every single one of these times has happened at least once during this time here at CGA, but more evidently in this most recent month. That’s why I love scripture; it can be so relatable and applicable for anything at anytime. You ever just read something and feel like it’s actually reading you? Like you just sitting there reading something like “Yes!! That’s it!! That’s so accurate!!” or looking over your shoulder saying “Has someone been watching me?? I feel like I’m being spied on.” That can be one of the most interesting, relieving, and sometimes nerve wracking experiences I can have.
“Bow now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a purification offering in His sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief to our bondage. Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.” Ezra 9:8-9.
It’s moments like this that have brought me peace and comfort during this roller coaster of a season. Those days when it feels like chaos and brokenness are dominating you. But then it comes. A light at the end of the tunnel. Anything from a brief moment of validation and/or revelation, a day of joy and new memories, or multiple days of rest and recovery that can redeem any current state of mind. And what do these have in common? They offer just the right amount of strength and motivation to push through and deal with the current chaos. Sometimes making it seem easy. All because of His graciousness and love.
So good to read your blog. You’re so right, Caleb, God is in our chaos as well as our peace. Thankfully we can recognize His presence in all.
It was great to see you recently and hope to see you again in the near future. Have you decided what you are going to do after this session — stay in Georgia or come home. Whatever it is, you will be in our prayers for God’s guidance.
Lots of love and blessings, always.
G’ma