Day twenty-five

Today was a day of blessings. It didn't really seem that way at first.

I woke this morning feeling exhausted, having had a very restless night. I had a very vivid dream (I can't really recall much of it beyond its vividness) that kept waking me up. Hopefully, I'll sleep better tonight. I spent a good part of the day having that kind of fatigue so intense that it makes you feel sick. I didn't want to go anywhere or do much of anything.

But as the morning went on, things began to change.

Today was the belated birthday party for my friend Samantha. The party's theme was described as "the movie Up with a Texas twist" in the invitation. My thought process was as follows: "Up…Texas…yellow roses". We were able to find some, having prayed that we would be able to do so.

My mom and I got to the party about half an hour late, and had to duck out about an hour early, but everyone had a good time. Mom, unfortunately, took a bit of a tumble at the party, but she's okay apart from some soreness.

For me, it was getting to see my friends with whom I hadn't been in touch for a while. Samie and her husband Josh are preparing to move to Texas in March, and as with any move, there are a million details. My other friends, Aaron and his wife Jen, are trying to find a new place for themselves, as well Aaron having a load of schoolwork and dealing with the matters of his mother's recent passing.

One might ask how all of this is a blessing. The fact is that I all too easily remove myself from other people. I lived a very isolated life for a very long time, and I speak from personal experience that it is a miserable way to live. When I isolate, eventually my thoughts turn inward, and nothing makes me as miserable as thinking about myself. I'd much rather think of others, which is not easy to do when you hold them at further than arms' length.

Scripture reminds us not to forsake gathering together as brothers in fellowship, so that weary build up one another. Although I still struggle with withdrawing from others, I need that time with others. It is a good reminder of God's blessing to me, and He has changed me for His glory and for my good.