Growth in the midst of CHANGE

"Oof", said one of my students when hearing we were back online yet again. The roller coaster shift of in-person and online has been unimaginable. Painful. Exhausting. Awful. Frustrating. Outward hopelessness. Feeling defeated. Disappointed. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed to the point of hopelessness. Maybe you think: Can I really keep going? Will it ever be 'normal' again? Can I get through this? Will my kids get through this? Will my family be okay? 

There is always growing happening when we least expect it- even in the midst of constant change.

My school's eating area: 2016

Growth- it can be really hard to accept growth. To want to improve. To accept the growing pains and move forward. It is especially hard to grow during CHANGE. I think that's the best way to grow. Change jolts us. We don't like it. It forces us to rely on the One that remains: Jesus. It forces us to love each other more and build each other up. It forces us to let go of control and the feeling of the unknown. God is a God of mystery. He is ALWAYS working. Even when we don't feel it or see it. Even when there is no end in sight or clear open door for the future.

Don't forget about all the promises in His word to you. The world around us is changing minute by minute, yet He hasn't changed. He remains constant. He has not forgotten His children. He has not forgotten YOU. Cling onto Jesus. Choose worship. Remember, the battle belongs to our God.

My school's eating area: 2020

Look what growth does though- in the midst of all the CHANGES. I arrived in Cambodia in 2016 and was excited for this new adventure and journey ahead of me. That little tree (picture above) never seemed to grow. It was weak and hopeless. 

Through the years, it has grown. Through years of challenge, aches, and pains- it has grown! Growth takes time and even more time in the midst of change. Rest in Jesus. Allow Him to instill peace in your heart and mind.

Don't let the circumstances of the world and your unknown future shake your firm foundation. Not much will be normal anytime soon, but God is always working. He is moving. The battles you are dealing with right now are known to Him. He fights for you. He is FOR YOU.

I am in awe of God's goodness through the ugly parts of life. He is always so good. He will always grow us. Shape us. Use our kids or students to remind us of His joy and love. Even on the hard days.
It is okay to not be okay, but I am forever grateful to be part of His family. Aren't you?

Listen to these songs I've enjoyed this week. Refocus your heart and mind on the One who remains.