my little heart abounds

I tell ya what - my little heart just abounds with joy today at the work God has done in my life. Specifically, my life as it relates to my parents. I think back to a year ago - we had just moved out of my folks house and things were... And to see where God has brought our relationship in just one year is Extraordinary. Divine, even. I know that He has changed hearts. I know it! I know that we are different people now because of the work He has done in us. I sometimes think that family relationships can be a bit like marriage - when there's problems, hurt, anger...you can choose to turn into the relationship or you can choose to turn away from it. I had turned away for years and praise God that He put me smack dab in the middle of this relationship so I could no longer run from it. It was a forced turning inward. And it's been hard and messy and is still really far from perfect, but there is a Love there that has not been. A love and a respect and true fellowship. Being deep in the mess of people - people like me, imperfect and sinful - pretty much demands that you lean only on God and Forgive often and liberally. To see that God does heal when you obey Him, when you step out in love is the coolest! I never though I would have a relationship with my folks that went any deeper than tolerating them. There is joy in there now. The last several times my mom and I have hung out, we have spoken transparently and vulnerably about God and the work He is doing in us. I would never have dreamed that could happen. So, anyway, my litter heart abounds with joy today at the work of our mighty God in my little life. (pictures to come soon.)