a true gift

We were at the wedding of one of our closest friends' daughter last night. We had such a nice time! It was an outdoor wedding in a very beautiful setting.  Our other friend officiated the wedding so it was real nice. The father-of-the-bride used his toast as an opportunity to invite God to the wedding. It was a prayer for his daughter and her new husband. It was awesome how he brought in what really matters to him!

I had a conversation with another friend during dinner. He is newly retired. We were talking about what he wants to do in this next stage of life and about the fact that as we get older we start thinking more about our passions and our legacy. What do we care about most? How do we want to be remembered? Why are we here anyway?

Somehow we started talking about Faith. He said he is so grateful that he has been given the gift of Faith. I was surprised that after all of this time I didn't really, really, really in the depth of my soul think of it as a gift. I told him I didn't consider it a gift, but a choice. He corrected me immediately. He said there are many people who wish they had it, but don't. Right off the top of my head I thought of a few people close to me who have told me they wish they could, but don't. Usually I quickly go to a place (Forgive me, Lord, but almost judging them --> when I should have been praying for them!) where I think to myself that they will; One day God will give them reason to trust Him and surrender their life to Him because they cannot get through _____  on their own. They will have to fall to their knees one day.

I've been thinking about it all day. I spent so much time researching on my computer as if I was just diagnosed with something I knew nothing about. I was searching for knowledge. I thank God that so many of the sites I clicked on had Bible verses (I had read many times before!), proving that Faith isn't a choice, but a gift. And I have been taking it for granted my whole life!! I also learned it's best to find wisdom from His Word. I wish I would have gone there first!

Today I went from confusion to clear understanding to confusion and back to understanding again. I know Satan is the author of confusion and God is...

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2. 

Getting back to my legacy: Above all, I want all to know that I am rooted in Faith, confidently trusting God with every part of my life and I pray I inspire you to do the same.