This morning, as my roommate opened the blinds, I was blinded by the light that streamed through the windows. For those who may not know, Hurricane Harvey spent the last three or four days wrecking havoc on the coast of Texas. Although Austin was not directly impacted, it spent days enshrouded in rain and wind. Thus, I was forced to move in to my dorm early, shaking up all the plans I had made with my parents for move-in weekend. Honestly speaking, it was beyond stressful, especially for a schedule-oriented person like me, but God was good through it all. Even under those circumstances, God's guiding hand was upon us, protecting us in the fiercest of storms... literally.
In the midst of the wind and rain, I thought the timing ironic. What were the odds that Hurricane Harvey just so happened to hit Texas during my move-in, a time that is already wrought with anxiety and sadness. Was the sky also feeling my sadness and crying for me? Was this God's way of confirming my fears about my unknown future?
But this morning, the streets were dry and the sun was shining, no sign that torrential rainfall had just ripped through the area. It was a beautiful day, complete with the sound of birds and the rustling of leaves as squirrels streaked through the trees. Then I got to thinking. What if all that rain did not symbolize tears, but rather symbolized a new start. What if the rain was sent to wash away any past regrets so that I could truly start anew in this next stage of my life. So that I would not allow the mistakes and regrets of my past hinder what God has in store for me.
Many aspects of my life may change from here on out. I may find new passions, find new friends, discover new favorite foods. But one thing will NEVER change. And that is my God's love for me and my desire to love and pursue Him.
~jo