quick to remember

Lately I’ve been stopped in my tracks by the unthinkable and unbelievable worth in all things old. Vintage skirts that tell stories of former fashionistas rockin’ their own style in their own day, glorious and humungous oak trees that provide shade and embody wisdom from the years they’ve occupied space on this earth, grandparents that have more stories and experiences than any other living being- just waiting to be tapped into like a fresh-water well, and my most recent obsession: the Old Testament, dripping with history and tradition. Rich both in word and in deed.

I’m coming to the end of the Isrealites’ 40 year journey through the wilderness. I’ve read accounts of deliverance, supernatural acts, mistrust, complaint, awe, intricacies, laws and guidance. Their leader, Moses, on the brink of the Jordan River- mere steps away from the promiseD land is moved to pause and remember the journey. And in this time of exciting transition in my own life, I think it’s time I do the same.

Such tangible value is found when I stop to remember each step of God’s faithfulness in my own story. Because after all, when I’m quick to remember His faithfulness… I’m quick to trust. And when I’m quick to trust… God can do anything.

So.

I will be quick to remember how as an innocent 15 year old- much like the girl in Taylor Swift’s song- God placed four amazing girls around me. Girls that made me laugh and believed that fun could be had without cliché high school experiences. Girls that were my teammates, my confidants, and who always called on the weekend with plans for new adventures. God knew I needed great friends at a young age. And He was faithful.

I will be quick to remember my road with volleyball. From club teammates that sparked and deepened my love for the game as living examples of selfless competitors- to my ASU sisters that battled and fought along side of me for four years. Each with a front row seat to my most gut-wrenching sorrows and grandest triumphs. God knew I needed a sport that centered around a team. He knew I was able to reach my potential only when people I loved pushed me. He knew the pruning that would take place in the volleyball arena- one of my life’s most profound metaphors. And He knew it needed to one day end. Faithful.

I will be quick to remember the man he placed in my life when I was my weakest and most vulnerable. As I cringed with physical pain, this man eased my troubled heart. He called and cared and took off my surgery bandages I couldn’t reach myself. God knew that I needed to be taken care of- but what I didn’t know was that this man would take care of me for the rest of my life. So faithful.

I will be quick to remember the sisters I’ve met at Arizona State FCA. I found an Emily that was literally love walking and talking. She squeezed hard when she hugged me, got more excited for me than for herself, and listened well even though her words would’ve fit the moment perfectly. I found an Abra that scooped me up in her silver civic and drove me to the church I soon called home. I loved her love of necklaces, Coffee Bean, and Jesus, and I became a little more me every time we spoke. I found a Katie that met me in my pain, showcased the Christ I wanted to know, and became so foundational in molding what pure friendship looks like. God knew that I needed to be stretched. He knew I could only grow if I had ample models of Christ right in front of me. These three personify His faithfulness.

I will be quick to remember a lot of things… more than I can even bare to write. But we’re all on a journey with God.  Some journeys are bright and new, some deeply worn in, but wherever you are be quick to remember where you’ve been. Notice and stand in awe at the fingerprints of God. Whether faint or vibrant, these prints tell a story, build up trust and give us confidence to make the next move. After all, HE’S GOD and I am not. And today I will be quick to remember that.