Back in June 2012 I posted this about the last sunset I saw before leaving my home of Papua New Guinea:
"I seem to feel that God often shows his unfailing love to me through the beautiful sunsets he displays, and that last night was one of the brightest, most intense skies we had had in a while. I sat on my porch, thinking of the scenes I had just taken in, thinking of the chapter that was beautifully coming to a close. The last time I'd see the sun sink behind those mountains, yet God was practically screaming his love, comfort and faithfulness at me."I love those words!
So during training week we shared testimonies, and as part of mine I shared this idea of how I felt like God used sunsets to grab my attention, and prove His faithfulness in my life. The first sunset that stood out to me came after a long day in high school where I was just over it all, upset with God and ready to call it quits on the day. I was mad and tired and I huffed home. But after dinner something out the window caught my eye, and the sun was spreading colors of pink across the clouds. My breath was taken away, and as I ran for a camera I could not help but smile. I felt like God slapped me in the face and said "Leslie! I still make beautiful things, and there is still so much hope, beauty and potential in today". From then on I tried to think about what God was trying to get my attention for when the sky lit up. I did not know it at the time of that post about my final sunset in PNG that that was just the beginning of sunsets for me. As we flew across the ocean, we were enveloped about one and the first night I moved into college a sunset settled about the chapel steeple, and with it fell a sense of peace that God was here in this place as well. After sharing my testimony at camp we all went out for ice-cream, and as we drove through the beautiful country with new family sitting next to me, the sky lit up. The decision to name me Sunset was easy, and I loved being able to use it as a testament to God and how He makes beautiful things beyond our reach and how He will never leave or forsake you.
Yesterday my friend invited me along to a church that she had to visit for a school assignment. I had a busy day planned out, but since she is graduating in two weeks I cleared my schedule for her. We walked inside this old church and found our seats. As my eyes scanned the walls I saw some tapestries hanging. Then my eyes fell on one that stole my attention. It had an image of a sunset reflecting off of a lake with the words sewn underneath
"Your faithfulness reaches to the skies"It does not end there- sitting in a pew not too far from that banner with was my missionary friend Matt! Matt grew up two doors down from me in PNG and our moms are best friends, I've known him as long as I can remember. I knew he lived in this town near me but we never have time to get together. Plus, come to find out, he usually goes to the early service- but slept in yesterday so went to that one. What are the odds out of all the services and churches that I would run into him? It was a refreshing surprise and nice to touch base before running home to a crazy day.
And as I drove home from a quick trip to the store to buy birthday supplies and Christmas presents the sky had a pink halo...and I knew even though I anticipated a crazy 48 hours, the Lord was with me, and He is faithful.
Tomorrow I get to see my parents! I will be officially 500 days apart from my dad. It has not been an easy time apart and I miss them more than words can say. But I can say, the Lord is faithful, and He got us through.
I am so beyond blessed.
Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord!
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