He is Faithful

This week has been odd.  For the past month or two, I have known that my grandfather was not doing well.  Last week, I was informed that Grandpa didn't have long to live, but I didn't know when he would go.  Our team had a camping trip planned, so after thought and prayer, I decided to go along...

Monday morning, our group departed for the mountains of Alabama where we would participate in a four day backpacking trip.  After stopping at Chick-fil-A for lunch, we pulled our packs out of the vans and hiked in under cloud cover, knowing the forecast of rain would cause an interesting first hike.  The group leaders decided to camp early, before the rain started, which turned out to be a great decision as it began pouring down right after we finished setting up tents.  The group came together that night for a few teaching sessions, and then went to sleep anticipating a long hike the next day.

Tuesday was beautiful, and spirits were high.  We made a breakfast of rice with raisins and cinnamon... a new dish to me, but it was good!  As we washed dishes, one of the leaders pulled me aside after hanging up his cell phone.  I knew what had happened.  Grandpa's funeral wasn't until Saturday, so I would stay with the group and finish our trip. 

The following days were filled with activities, including rappelling and caving, and although I struggled to be fully present in them, it was a good place for me to be.  I was surrounded by the beauty of nature, and the support and love of thirty other Christians.  Wednesday, each student practiced the spiritual discipline of "solitude" by spending a few hours in the woods alone. I took some time to write down many of the things I remember about Grandpa.  On Friday Dad picked me up, and brought me to Hendersonville for the funeral. 

As individuals, we often go through a lot in a short amount of time.  I definitely experienced that this week as I went through busyness and silence, joy and sadness, support and loneliness.  However, every day I learned more about God's faithfulness.  Although it's often hard to see what He's doing, He asks me to trust Him with everything.  He will give me the strength I need, and the grace to trust Him when I can't see the path ahead.

 "...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6