January reflection
If you’ve followed the blog a tiny bit, you know that I like to do these monthly reflections. I like to take inventory of the gift of the past 30 days that God allowed me to live. I never want to take for granted the trials nor the joys. We can learn so much from both of those, can’t we? You can see October’s reflection here and November’s reflection here.
For December, I reflected differently with 4 different posts of “2020 favorites.” I won’t include the links here, but feel free to browse back to find them if you’d like.
Let’s get to it… 3 questions.
1. Where did you see God in January?
2. What's one quote you heard that you had to write down?
3. What is one word you’re holding onto as we move into February?
1. Where did I see God in January?
I saw God at the sea. I saw Him in the family He’s given me, like in the photo above: Tonio throwing rocks, Django looking for a good place to dig, and Daphné exploring in the distance, looking for drift wood. He overwhelmed me with joy and peace, as He reminded me what a treasure I have in my husband and kids and what a treasure we have to live here in the south of France.
I saw Him when I went running again along the sea. It was only my second time back after 6 years. With every crunch of pebbles under my fancy new running shoes from my sister, I was able to see so much beauty in the different shapes, sizes and colors of rocks. And when I lifted my gaze, I saw aqua blue water that glimmered and radiated the splendor of its Creator. I saw God at the sea.
2. A quote I heard that I had to write down?
This verse in the Bible, found in the book of Lamentations chapter 3, verses 22 and 23 has come up a few times in the past week. If you’re like me, it can take quite a few times for me to realize that God is actually trying to tell me something. Hard-headed anyone? (me!!!) This was the verse to go with last week’s Sunday school lesson for the kids (een fchrench, of cooourse… hehe). It is the current verse on calendar in the bathroom. And a lady at church sent it to me this week to encourage me. She had no idea that God was using her to remind me, once again, of His love, mercy and faithfulness.
My favorite part of these verses, especially in this season of crazy pandemic life, is that God’s mercies are new every morning and they will never run dry, ever. The days can be really difficult. Your difficult might look different than my difficult, but it’s ALL difficult. What hope to know that God has a clean slate in the morning for us to start fresh. I sure do need it.
3. One word I’m holding onto as we move into February?
Faithfulness. God’s faithfulness. You read it in the Bible verse above : Great is God’s faithfulness! I’m so thankful to have been raised in a Christian home with parents who love and follow Jesus Christ. Then, when I was old enough to decide for myself, I decided to keep following Jesus. Through all these years, God has been so faithful in my life. He keeps every promise, like every single one. His truth in His Word, the Bible, is as true today as it was for me years ago. I’ve made stupid decisions and mistakes, and God is always waiting for me with His faithful, loving arms wide open with forgiveness when I admit I need it.
I turn 40 on Feb 21st, so this theme of God’s faithfulness rings particularly loud to me this month. It invites me to remember these 40 years of His faithfulness. It reminds me that I can rest. I don’t have to strive. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to try harder. I can rest in His faithfulness. He will never leave me. He will never forget me. His faithfulness is all I need to keep trusting Him with my life, my family and my future. I invite you to rest in God’s faithful arms. He loves you as much as He loves me.
Love Linz
Photo : Me. Almost 40. =)