Monday, January 2, 2012

The House of God

The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. 

So once again, time has slipped inevitably and swiftly through my fingers without my consent. 2012. Twenty years ago I was brought mercifully into this world--to bring more than a name, more than a number to the earth's population. And here I sit, twenty years later, wondering, dreaming up my next steps. Time is fleeting. A year and a half ago I took my first step onto the Teen Mania campus, fresh out of high school, scared and unexpectant of what the next two years would hold. 
 
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. 
  
Four days ago, last thursday we got a phone call that my great grandmother had a heart attack. Several hours later we received word that she had passed. I have known her for 20 years. Five generations. Now, we move up the line to honorably take our place in the hierarchy of generations. So many thoughts left untended. 
 
He guides me along the right paths for His name sake. 

Where has the time gone? A cliche even I cannot escape. But more importantly, what's next? A year ago Belize wasn't even a word in our vocabulary. Now we are taking our second trip there to visit my brother who has made it his temporary residence. It only confirms the vastness of possibility for this coming year. Aside from the "confirmed" end of the world via Jesus' Second Return or the Apocalypse, I am anxious to see how God chooses to mold this lump of time. This time next year--will I be living at home in Celina? Living at home in Belize? Touring the world as a Missionary? There is no telling at this point, and that truth can either terrify me to a point of paralyzation or excite me to no end.  
 
For though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.  

I choose trust. I choose excitement. I choose to live. I choose to thrive. I choose
contentment. I choose to love. 

For You are with me, Your rod and your staff they comfort me. 

I choose peace. I choose surrender. I choose courage.
 
For surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life. 

I choose His will--not my own.
 
And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.