One day, one day......

Tonight at church some old hymns were sung, along with some songs I'd never heard before.
One in particular about heaven reminded me how much I long to be there.....the only thing that keeps me here is family.

Over the last few months I've thought a lot about heaven and how bad I'd love to be there...to see Jesus face-to-face, for Him to tell me it is finally over, and in these present circumstances, because I know that in heaven there is no pain, d anthere are no tears. In fact, I saw an elderly lady at the grocery store not long ago, and enviously thought, "I wish I was her. She's a lot closer to heaven than me. I'd give anything to trade places with her."

But I know that our work on earth is not done. There are much more people to share Jesus with; there are more families who need encouragement during the adoption process; there are millions of children who need an advocate in adoption; there are thousands of children in U.S. foster care; and there are millions of people around the world in serious need.

A sweet, dear friend encouraged me not to give up. To not have regrets. I certainly do have some regrets at this point; but from here on out, I hope by God's grace, not to have any more.

It is only by His grace and strength that I will graduate from Liberty in December with my Master's degree. Studying and doing my best amidst these trials has been hard, extremely hard; but God has nestled deep inside me a steely resolve that will not quit, that will not surrender, not on this one thing at least. When I have wanted so badly to lay my head down, lay the books down, put the laptop away, He has nudged me on and for that He deserves all the glory. I cannot wait, I absolutely cannot wait to walk across that stage in May.

If you, like me, find yourself in one of life's darkest valleys, may we press on together, knowing that our suffering is not in vain; that for the joy set before Him, He endured the crown of thorns, the cross, and was victorious over the grave and death itself. May our lives be reflections of His glory, especially in the midst of our suffering....and one day, one day we can lay it all down at His feet when He calls us home.