Blogging once again...

So I am going to try this blogging thing again. I miss writing and feel the need to "download" some of what has been on my mind somewhere. So here goes!

Lately I have been thinking about how God's grace is sufficient for me. Sometimes I start feeling like it might not be sufficient but then when it comes down to it, it is! Amazing, really.

I've been learning that there seems to be people who isolate themselves and are very silent about the trials in their lives...and then there are those who reach out to people and are anything but silent about what is going on. I tend to be one of those reach out/anything but silent people. I think both responses to how we interact with others during times of trial have their pros and cons. Both have their extremes.

I have a few friends who turn into hermits, if you will, when going through a difficult time. For me, it can be frustrating (and they know it! ;) ) because I am also the type who wants to help when something is wrong. But I have started to learn that they need their space and they know I am available to talk if they need me. Most of the time they need their space to process and also to talk to the Lord about what is going on. Yet admittedly, they know they should work at reaching out to a friend or two in those difficult times in order to request more specific prayer and/or receive encouragement.

I, on the other hand, am the one who has a handful of friends who know lots about what is going on with me. Maybe not quite all of the details about the situation (s), but much of how I am feeling and what I am struggling with. The specific people who have been there for me in this way has changed from time to time but in each season, each group of people has been a huge blessing to me and I am so very thankful for them, their prayers, and encouragement. Not only do they encourage me, they also speak truth into my life and challenge me to rise above my circumstances. Much of the time, it is a good thing that I have these people in my life. However, at times I turn to them too quickly (like before turning to the Lord) or I expect too much from them ( like they should be able to make me feel better or should be there right when I need them to be). It is in those moments when they cannot be what I wish they could be for me that I am again reminded that God's grace is sufficient for me.

I am very aware this evening of God's unfailing love and His everlasting presence with His people. He is always with me, always available for me to talk to, always wanting me to turn to Him, and always the One who can comfort me, challenge me, and love me unconditionally. He understands me far greater than anyone else can...even more than I understand myself (and that brings great comfort!).