greater things

This is a time capsule.

Yesterday morning my soul needed some hymns. As I went on with my day, the one that says "It is well with my soul" kept with me. What a blessing.

My job is hard. I never wanted to be a missionary. I never wanted to raise money. But here I am. Just following where God called me. And truly, I love the work so much that each time I am with the students, I am reminded that I would go through Hell and high water to work with them. But it's still hard work.

I am a very level-headed person. Almost to a fault. But this job, oh! My emotions go up and down three times a day! And that's why it is so good to have a song singing, "it is well with my soul" in my mind. Because, if you can find joy even when you and your surroundings do not seem joyful ... nothing can hold you down.

Tired? Humbled? Pressured? Shy? New? Unfaithful?

It is well with my soul.

Last night, Jake and I wrote letters to whoever we will be on June 9, 2011. Time capsules. You see, a lot of perspective is gained in an evening stroll to the beach. You realize that if in the future you want to look back on these days as fondly as you currently look back on those years ago, it helps to be joyful today.

Joy is definitely what I have been learning. I have this note in the margin of my Bible that says "Happiness is based on circumstances but joy is everlasting."

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well,

It is well with my soul.