A friend asked me this weekend, “Do you feel like you’ve changed in college?”, then “What has changed?” My response? Everything. Everything has changed. Before college: I lived for myself. Through college: I found Jesus. After college: I live for Jesus. Hopeless to hopeful to hope filled. It’s that simple, yet it’s so much more than that. I started thinking more about how Jesus has changed my life in the last 4 years. What’s different about my life. A big one: No fear in death. Perfect love > fear. Where I have found perfect love, I have found freedom from fear. It no longer consumes me. I am free to live my life.
This weekend was incredible. There really are no words to describe what took place in the 5 or so days I was in Chesapeake/OBX. It was a weekend filled with peace, joy, love, and Jesus. I have never experienced anything like it. To have 30 people, who I care about so deeply, come to spend time together was amazing. The house was full of laughter and smiles. “Joy and laughter are the gifts of living in the presence of God” (Henri Nouwen). That is exactly what occurred this weekend. We lived in the presence of the God of the Universe. We recognized Him in all things. We prayed. We laughed. We worshipped. We encouraged. We listened. We shared. We were silent. We read. We sang. It’s hard to describe. It was the most encouraging, restful, peaceful, easy, joyful time I’ve had. Probably ever. That group of people shares a bond that will never be broken. The only reason we know each other is because of our desire to draw near to Jesus and to serve our King. These are eternal friendships. Everyone was encouraging. It was incredible to look around the room and see Jesus manifested in every single person there. It was incredible to hear stories of people’s encounters with Jesus and the way Jesus has worked in their lives since we were together 4 months ago. It’s incredible to hear people’s struggles, joys, strivings, and desires. It’s incredible to be so encouraged by simply standing back and watching this unique group of people interact with one another. We are all a part of the body of Christ. Each person a necessary and vital part. This weekend was a gift. This group of people is a gift. This time is the picture I have of what Heaven will be like. Pure joy. Divine Joy.
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