I'm Looking Through You

My month-long vacation in the states is wrapping up and I’m realizing that I may need a heart check.

“Our hearts are idol factories” and after a month surrounded by family and friends and beautiful places, I know my own tendency to want to clasp onto this season of life and not let go. I try to squeeze infinity out of finite people and places. I try to find my joy and purpose in the gifts rather than the Giver.

I’ve been reading the book “An Impossible Marriage” (which I HIGHLY recommend) on the Hawaii leg of my summer vacation and this whole past week have been reflecting on this quote:

“Look through people and this world to Me. Not to people and this world to instead of Me. Not from people and this world to nothing.”

It’s as if God is whispering these words to me this summer:

The hugs from my family members are a gift from Him.

The vibrant sunsets are a revelation of His goodness.

All the vitamin D soaking into my skin is grace from Him.

Hikes with my sister are a glimpse of His love.

The intricacies of nature are an invitation to worship.

The crash of the waves on the coast reveal His strength.

As I revel in the diversity of the flowers and plants, I revel in Him as the Creator.

I’ve loved the time with some of the people who know and love me most. I’ve loved the warmth and adventures and fascinating nature. But my hope isn’t this lovely summer season. It's not in the people or places. No matter what stage of life I’m in, I can look through the joys and see my brilliant, unshakable Hope and Joy.

With joy,

Annie