Autumn Break

     At long last, I find spare moments in which to gather my thoughts. I've reached the official halfway mark in my semester and now receive a four day weekend as a trophy for surviving to this point. Since it isn't enough time for me to drive home and see anyone, Dad graciously drove down to visit with me. The rest of the family was supposed to come, too, but unforeseen happenstance did not allow for that pleasure.

     I've had several deep thoughts that would have made good entries here, but unfortunately they did not stay with me long and I did not record them anywhere. However, God has been teaching me a lot about my worth as of late, as found in Him and forgotten in circumstance. My devotional reading this morning continued along those lines in Revelation.

"...Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11b)

     I've always viewed this verse as giving me purpose--inspiring me to work hard to bring glory and honor to God. Today the Holy Spirit gently suggested it as a verse meant to give me rest. Christ already created me in a way that brings Him pleasure. He approves not of my sin and my foolishness, but of me as His workmanship. I'm acceptable to Him, clothed in His righteousness. I don't have to work at it, He has
delight in what He's made me apart from any puny effort I might put forth.

     It's not an excuse to slack off, or a reason to compromise. It's a blessed comfort to know that no matter how badly I mess up, I'm still a joy to my Father.