Purpose.

The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of the week to say the least.  While running a marathon through life (aka inductively studying the Bible), I tackled a marathon a few days ago.  Around mile 18 is when I "hit the wall," and I pretty much carried the wall on my back from mile 18 on.  I crossed the finish line in tears, but in a matter of minutes I had sweet tea in one hand and a medal in the other and was one happy marathon FINISHER!
About a two weeks before the marathon I started getting those pre-race jitters and nerves.  It was to the point that sleep was a foreign matter.  For the first couple of nights I was just frustrated and irritated, but  then I realized that it was time to be used for praying through wisdom and discernment on many areas of life. Little did I know, this sleep pattern would still be continuing (high note: the sunrises are great!) It was a small portrait of what the Lord has been showing me over the past couple of weeks: be present in the here and now, you have purpose.
I have a tendency to always be looking forward and planning what comes next that I tend to miss what is right in front of me.  I am almost positive that I am not the only one that struggles through this.  A few weeks ago I got a call from someone I love so dearly saying, "I am soooo through with high school. I am ready to be out of here."  I would be a hypocrite to say that I never struggled with this because that is far from the truth.  I clearly remember a few months ago telling the Lord, "I am just done with this, and I am ready to move on." But, of course, being the stubborn, selfish human being I am, I just could not see the big picture, and I missed so much in front of me.
So for you seniors that are itching to get out of high school, I get it.  I understand. But my prayer for you is that you will see purpose and contentment in the here and now.  Only because I love you all so dearly.  It encourages me daily to see what gospel glorifying lives y'all are living day by day. You know exactly who you are.
Whether is it taking a step into high school, laying wide awake at 4 in the morning, charting through another book, running a ridiculous amount of miles, or whatever the case may be, the Lord has a purpose.  Lets not miss it!