Everyone is typically familiar with the passage in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 where “a time for everything” is described. There really is a time for everything. The theme of “time” has been very evident in my life lately. As I sit here and write this I have 30 days until I leave for Ukraine, so my “time” is running out, right? No, that’s not right. My time isn’t running out, I may only have 30 days left at home, but when I leave, my home will still be my home, my family will still be my family, my friends will still be my friends, and even more importantly- God will still be God. In 30 days, nothing is ending, what’s happening is- a new adventure, a new season of life, is starting. Instead of saying my time is running out, I should really be saying my time is more precious. Time with friends and family is treasured. Time learning Ukrainian is hard. Sometimes it doesn’t even seem like there is enough time in a day to get things done. So what is God teaching me about time? He is teaching me that things take time.
When I think about things taking time, I think about starting a ministry for university students. This is something I have never done before. So realistically, it is going to be perfect and thriving the first week I start. HA! Just kidding. What is so great about this lesson God is teaching me, is that this will take time and I cannot expect to have it all figured out and perfect right away. Now this doesn’t give me an excuse to slack off and just say, “Oh eventually this will be great.” Instead, it let’s me be ok with failure and knowing that if something isn’t working out right away, keep trying and in time, it will be great (hopefully =]).
So, as I continue to enjoy my next 30 days here spending time with family, friends, packing, and learning, please keep me in your prayers. Sometimes, when I feel crunched for time, or my “to-do” lists seem to be never ending, I get a little stressed. Being stressed doesn’t really allow me to enjoy the present. I am thankful for my home here, my family here, and my friends here and am even more thankful that in 30 days, they won’t disappear. I am also thankful that in 30 days, I will have a second place to call home, more people to call family, and more people to call friends. I even more thankful for a great God that is present in all of this and loves me during all times and seasons of my life!
Check out this song, it’s appropriately titled “Times” by Tenth Avenue North, and has been a favorite of mine for a while.
Thank you for your continuing support, encouragement, and prayers!
I am getting excited and hope you are too!
In His love,
Julie