conversations in cars

Oh the grace!!!!!
It is beginning to sink in. The undeserved mercy, compassion, and love I'm given by my Holy Father!

Throughout my life I've been kept under the protective wing of God. The past 8 months or so He has allowed me to run out from under that shelter, but He never left me. His grace and love for me has rescued my wandering heart! He has constantly been in pursuit of me. Even when that meant stepping back and, in some ways, making me come to Him, falling at His feet. It's all to take a step closer to Him. To further that relationship between myself and Christ.
He has plotted a very distinct journey out just for me. He knows me. Better than I know myself. He knows what is best for me. He created me. He knows how to teach me. He knows what will stretch me. What will break me. What will grow me. And how I adore Him for being gentle with my fragile spirit, which I now see is getting stronger each day. He is working things out for the good. And I love Him!

Tonight it hit me right between the eyes. God's mercy FAR exceeds MY idea of mercy. His grace is laced with such unbridled love and compassion, and discipline even... I'm having a difficult time putting it into words. I've only just now come to a point where I can look back on the darkness in my life and praise God for it.

Praise Him for the experiences that shattered my world.
Praise Him for the brokenness.
Praise Him for the waiting period.
Praise Him for the hopeless-hanging-on-by-a-thread moments.
Praise Him for the healing.
Praise Him for the restoration.
Praise Him for the answered prayers that I didn't even realize were being answered.
Praise Him for godly friends burdened for me.
Praise Him for ...LIFE!

There is much more that could be said. For now, I will be grateful and continue to walk this, often times, rough road of following Christ. It is THE BEST path for my life! And ya know what? His yoke is easy. His burden is light. And when I feel weighed down, He promises: "Come to Me all who are weary, and I will give you rest."
Thank You, thank You, thank You!!!