muffin-making

I spent this afternoon baking morning glory muffins. They turned out beautifully and taste delightful, as well. I'm especially grateful for the latter since they will likely constitute my breakfasts and lunches this entire week.
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let not my labor be in vain

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I am sitting at my desk, a stack of journal articles, books, notebooks, and flashcards piled high before me. Tomorrow brings an exam, a final draft of a research paper, and a draft of my honors project methodology.

Overwhelmed.

Weary.

Floundering.

This is how I feel. But I am trying to remember that this work is not my own. I do nothing by my own power, but by the Power that dwells in me.

My prayer for today:

Let me not labor in vain.
Establish the work of my hands for me --
Yes, establish the work of my hands.
(Psalm 127 & Psalm 90)
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give thanks always

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It is shaping up to be a frenetic semester. But in the midst of e-mail overload, article after article on religious communication, deadlines, meetings, dirty dishes, forms, and a looming and unknown future, I have continually been returning to 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Though I am not certain where God is leading me after graduation, though our kitchen floor needs a cleaning, though I don't know how exactly to direct my senior project, I can know what God wills of me this moment, this day. To be joyful. To pray. To give thanks.

These things are tangible. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, whoever I'm talking to, these words can recenter and refocus me. They provide direction for the moment, which is what I so desperately seem to need right now.

So I want to share with you all some of the little -- and big -- ways God has been blessing me -- the things for which I am thankful...

:: deer springing through the air besides the wooded path Jo and I run on

:: the grace to pull myself out of bed to exercise

:: a friend who remembers me daily from the far reaches of New York and speaks words of wisdom and truth into my life

:: supervisors who share their insight with me and guide and encourage me in how I should act

:: people who ask me how I am and truly mean it

:: the smile of a friend across the room

:: quiet moments in the apartment with my journal and Bible

:: the window directly in front of my desk that splays light across my books and lets in a cool breeze

:: hearing the familiar voices of loved ones over the phone

:: the pale purple flowers tucked into a cream mug on our kitchen table

:: Saint-Saen's third organ symphony

:: the conviction of the Holy Spirit

:: the sound of pencil against page

:: lunches outside under the sun and conversations with my roommate

:: anticipation of what life will bring

:: the inspiring faith of two friends who are going through trials and difficulties

:: ice cold water with a splash of lime

:: psalm 131

:: warmth: sweatshirts, my fleece blanket, and steaming mugs of tea

:: the truth that Christ is all, and is in all (Colossians 3:11)

May God continue to reveal to me the multitude of ways He is working in my life and the lives of those around me.
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