Death has a unique way of opening your eyes. When you experience the loss of a loved one close to you, even simple things like birthdays can remind you of them. 

June 5th marks a day of celebration and loss. A day I graduated from high school and started life in a whole new way.  A day we used to celebrate my dad. 

But a day is only a day if you don’t know Christ. Christ is our redeemer and friend. Even through losses, troubles, and persecutions-  if He’s the rock and the center of your life— on the throne and our firm foundation— you will weather the storms. You will overcome. And eventually you will face no more pain, death, or destruction. 

Living in Africa and living with a variety of people in their homes— huts, one room bedrooms, houses filled with family…. My eyes have been opened to the joy of the Lord. My eyes have been opened to trust and faith. 

When I’m here in Kenya-  it’s not the hotels that bring me comfort. It’s not having American food. It’s not having the latest technology. It’s not about the toilet you can sit on (although sometimes that luxury I don’t mind)

I’ve seen the faith and trust people have to have here just to get through a single day—- and often it’s over and over and over again.  Day after day..  For food. For rent. For school fees…and everything in between. 

But they still love the Lord tremendously. They are faithful. They are prayerful. They are filled with beautiful relationships.  They seek first the kingdom….

Life is about the relationship; the love; the grace….  I’m welcomed into homes without hesitation and the invitation is open again and again and again… I feel loved and seen by God…

What a mighty God we serve. We give thanks and praise to a God who loves and sees us-  who adores us.… who walks hand in hand with us. So even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. (Psalm 23:1). “I will give my entire attention to what God is doing right now, and won’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow” Matthew 6:34 MSG 

I know who holds me and my future and I trust HIM.

Most people here don’t know it’s my dad’s birthday today.   But, we baked a cake last night. So today as we partake, I’ll be celebrating my dad in heaven and rejoicing that I have another day of breath in my lungs to share HIS goodness, mercy, grace, and love.

 so here is to another day of LIFE for the Lord:)