These last few weeks have been a world-wind of LOVE. God in His amazing goodness has used those near and dear to my heart to sweep me off my feet, and shower me with blessings. Last month I had a “daddy-daughter” date and was in awe of the restoration and completed work Christ did in our relationship. Dinner, movie and dessert do not sum up the depth of healing Christ worked into each event. Sitting with my dad and fellowshipping was an amazing experience. The foundation was being laid for the standard of any future romantic pursuit; just as God intended from the beginning.
That very night I welcomed a 3-week visitor into my home, all the way from Haiti. My dear sister and friend was more of a roommate than a guest. Her presence was healing to my soul. Her never-ending joy and twinkle in her eye light up my world the same way she lights up God’s. Her insatiable appetite for life and people is one of the very things that attracted me to her presence. Just when I thought my “friends-bucket” was full, God made room for just one more. And I’m so glad He did. We bopped around the town visiting friends and hanging out around the city. We did our normal late night talks and movie-watching days. Just being together is always fun, and I do not deserve another wonderful person to remind me just how good God is. But He gave her to me anyway.
To top off the recent events I spent the day with my mom riding roller coasters and driving bumper cars. I was like a big kid with my stuffed animal in one hand and my ice-cream in the other. I even dared a chilidog prior to one roller coaster. Thankfully there was an hour wait for the ride and my food digested before we got our turn.
So much healing. So much restoration. So much love.
On one particular roller coaster I was so overwhelmed by the stomach-dropping sensations and the lack of gravity present that I was freaking out inside. But then I knew that I just needed to lean forward and “go with it”. Once I did the dips and loops and turns become so much more bearable and even enjoyable. I know it was a picture of life. There are loops and twists and turns that throw us off track. They make our stomach drop. We have no control and we want off. “Get me off this ride Jesus!” I have said so many times. And His response? “Go with it Nicole”. “Trust me Nicole”. “If you lean in and trust ME and not fight ME and the work I am doing in your life, you will actually enjoy the process. You will see that this is working for your good and that you are safe because I have you, strapped in, protected and seated in My love”.
I see His love everywhere now. I see it mostly in my loved ones. It is so nice to have loved ones. I have functioned so independently for so long in my heart. I did not see their love. But now I see. And it is good.
Oh so good.
SHALOM
