My Road Trip Wish turned Banana Slugg-ish

Last tuesday I said farewell to San Diego and headed up north to San Jose/Santa Cruz. Not knowing what to anticipate from the trip and with no real agenda, as we got further north I felt butterflies build up inside of me. I WAS NERVOUS to see a couple of my good friends in their home away from home. My thoughts going into the week was that it will be good to catch up on life with them, bring encouragement to some, and have a relaxing time to get my mind off of the chaos at home. Well I can tell you I didn't think about turmoil going on at home (which was good), but I did get caught off guard, knocked off my feet and flat on my back by my overall experience up north.

So without going into details, I'm not sure if I was able to encourage people as much as I thought I would, didn't really get to catch them up with my life, and had plenty of big surprises really capture me with shock. Nothing I expected coming into this trip happened, and I was extremely discouraged and confused. However having an eight hour car ride back and lots of thinking time, I can assure you that I'm definitely glad I went. I learned more about myself than I thought I could in such a small matter of time. I Practiced Patience, Labored Love, Aspired Acceptance, Loyally Listened, but most of all was Helplessly Humbled. 

God has seen me through so many trials, guarded my heart above all things, protected me and been the source of all my strength. Through this week many glimpses of his faithfulness became extremely clear and in essence I just can't find any reason why I shouldn't be at his feet worshipping him. 

As I left Santa Cruz, I took a deep breathe in and tears started pouring. Looking back at those tears, they could have been powered by the overwhelming happenings of the week, but to me they were spurred from a realization of Christ himself I have yet to experience and the assurance of knowing I will forever be guarded and protected by Him, my Father in Heaven. 

The long journey I started wandering my way through this last year has rounded a corner and now with a full smile on my face, I'm still on this journey but now marching my way to the finish line and boy does it feel good. 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1