Theme Of My Life: Love

     If you really know me, you know I'm your typical southern girl who was raised on a family first mentality. Of all the things my parents instilled in me growing up I am most thankful for that. It was definitely a lesson I needed considering the huge family I have! Another thing about me, I am your stereotypical big girl. I dance wherever whenever. I love giving big momma hugs. And I have quite a large heart, it's just a fact.
     With the big heart comes a lot of emotion. Particularly for goodbyes. I'm not good at them, nor do I like them. Let me rephrase, I am AWFUL at goodbyes. Not my strong suit. Today, for example, was our seniors last day at school. There are many seniors I will be missing but the one that just jabs in like a knife is saying goodbye to my ultimate best friend, Madeline. I know I'm going to see her throughout the summer, and when she's away at college I'll probably be bugging her constantly, but I could not handle it today. Still trying to, actually. She had to come get me today off the bathroom floor so I wouldn't be late to 2nd block. I was pitiful to say the least! I mean, she came in when I was trying not to go into a  full on panic attack while sobbing, she got me to calm down enough, got my butt off the floor, picked up my stuff and said "Come on Cassafrass." See why she's the best? I know, she's awesome! I feel like that scene is the perfect example of our Saviors to His broken sinners. Coming in, even with seeing all the mess, picking up the pieces, putting us back together, grabbing the weight that was crushing us, and says "Come on, I got you."
"God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise" Jeremiah 17:14
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:31
God has no problem picking up the pieces. He wants us to rely on Him!
     There have been many goodbyes in my life(as yours as well), teacher after wonderful teacher, grandparents, and so many graduating seniors I can't see straight. I'm not going to lie, most of these if not all have been dealt with a lot of tears. A lot of pain. But every single time God's like "Come on girl! Are we going to do this again? Okay lets do this." He comes in and overwhelms my mind, and heart, with love. Memories of all the love he has given me. He reminds me of every smile, every laugh, every blessing, every sweet baby, every comforting hug, every teacher, every sibling, every uncle, every aunt, every cousin, every close friend, every church member, and all my moms! :) God has totally lavished my whole life with so many loved one! And all that loved wrapped up still couldn't compare to the love of my Redeemer! With all the love and gifts God has given me, how could I be any thing but grateful! He's given such a life full of love to such an unworthy person. Ever heard the song A Thousand Years by Christina Perri? I consider the chorus God's love song. "I have died everyday waiting for you! Darling don't be afraid I have loved you For a thousand years, I love you for a thousand more! And all along I believed I would find you! Time has brought your heart to me! I have loved you for a thousand years, I love you for a thousand more" Consumed by, lavished with, so much love. For eternity. I am so honored, humbled.
You see all these people, all these great times? They are only a snippet of the all my loved ones, of all the smiles and laughs, all the blessing. Eternally grateful.