Peace in His Presence

I was introduced to a song this weekend. The chorus simply repeats itself:

I’ve finally found where I belong,  I’ve finally found where I belong in Your presence I’ve finally found where I belong,  To be with You, to be with You

It came along at this weird time. I've been bombarded with thoughts of lacking purpose 

and questioning what I'm doing with photography.  

If it matters. 

Should it just be a hobby.

Just trying to understand where I fit. The thoughts haven't been discouraging per se, because I know I will be here in Hot Springs

next year. That's all I can really offer. But that's ok. 

And while I don't know what that may look like, that's ok too. 

And then I heard this song. And it made me realize. I belong to and with my God. Period. End of Story.

I belong in His presence. To seek him, not where I think I want to go or do or be. To look at Him, instead of all around.

Even still, my words don't do justice to the sweet calm in my spirit. A calm that has been lacking for months. A calm that is occasionally

rocked by fleeting circumstance that my God thankfully can cover. Does cover. Will continue to cover.

A day or so ago I had a moment of sheer panic, almost irrationally so over a simple mistake. I couldn't halt the tears that were maybe

just stored up. But I didn't know how to pray or why I was overwhelmingly panicked. So I opened my mouth and let my God just 

know me. And calm me. It was new. And powerful.

This weekend, my aunts came to visit me. Words can equally not describe their presence. I woke up with a full heart this morning

from several days spent with women who inspire me. Teach me. Speak truth over me. Challenge me. Pray for me. Understand me.

Know me and still love me. Love me. Laugh with and cry with me. 

I am blessed. And overwhelmed at how the Lord can make bitterness sweet. Who can turn brokenness into something new.

I will leave with one fleeting thought. The closing words to a particular movie trailer made me choke up, as I feel it rings true in

my soul, especially these days. It says:

"Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love,

but that doesn't mean you love them any less.

Sometimes it even makes you love them more."

Thank you sweet Maker for a beautiful weekend and for the changes that are taking place in and around me, even in ways I

didn't and don't expect or even realize are options. Thanks for knowing best.