Norma

I'm not gonna lie, it's been kind of rough day. I didn't fall asleep until about 3am, for starters. Of course, Monday's are my Sabbath so it wasn't a huge deal. But I woke up pretty refreshed. My friend Kris changed the oil in my car, though my lack of knowledge about what is involved in an oil change caused a little bit of drama. You know, like forgetting to buy oil, after dragging the Walmart auto guys around trying to figure out which oil filter I needed (but at least I bought that!).

I did lots of little domestic things today, like laundry and dishes. But I really sensed the Lord's grace today. I just felt Him walking with me in all the little things of the day. When I wasn't sure if I was making the right decisions, I could still just sense Him walking with me in them, assuring me that He was taking care of me. It was special. There is much more involved, but it's a work He is doing within my heart.

The temperature was nice today, and I wanted to go for a walk. So I went back to the red bridge, took my camera and my Bible, and spent about an hour in a contemplative examination of the world around me. Jesus and I talked a lot. About a lot of things. He just kept reassuring me that even when I suck really bad as a person, or have a really bad attitude, or even blatantly make bad choices, He never thinks differently of me. He corrects me, but never withdrawals His love for any reason. It was almost too much to handle. It's true that the sinful heart has such a hard time to just accept His goodness and grace. But there was much breakthrough.

This is where Norma comes into the picture. I was walking under the red bridge, and found this old broken guitar embedded into the mud. You can see in the pictures, the name Norma on it. I became very fond of Norma. I understood her. Maybe that's weird to say, but I was moved when I saw her just sitting there. She just seemed to fit into the picture of everything that Jesus was talking to me about. Grace is dark, but lovely. Grace exists because there is an imperfect history, but Hope for the future. Grace sees beauty, in the midst of brokenness.

My evening was spent with Jesus. Discussing grace. Discussing love. Discussing how to be courageous and walk out of what is familiar when I am not even sure what my next steps are. But I trust Him. He chose me, so I am choosing Him.

This evening found me tired, and irritable. Just ask Elizabeth, she will tell you all about it. I am thankful for grace. God is good to me.