Because I will miss you..

It's weird how we'll have weeks that pass where the schedules are filled, where we sleep soundly from being just plain exhausted just to rise again in the morning, more tasks to complete.

Today was not one of those times. 

Today was a calm day. Productive, but calm.

I never left the house, got all of my "work" done, and spent time just relaxing.

God gives us time for work and time to rest. He is just.

I think of my reading today from 1 Thessalonians. What an encouraging letter! Paul so longed to visit those whom He had brought to, and encouraged in, the faith but he couldn't, so he wrote them letters.. And I think of myself, so far away from where I grew up. So far from both those who have helped me with my faith throughout my life, and those I have seen grow in their faith over the years. I think of how our relationships are so important to me and how I long to be with each of them as they continue to seek God amongst trials, but how I am here. And I know I am where God wants me to be, but that still doesn't ease my longing to be there with them. But thankfully I will be able to see them soon.

On the other hand, I look at the relationships I have built here in just a short time in Costa Rica. And I don't know if my future calls for me to return when my time here is through. But I so desire to stay in touch with these beautiful sisters and brothers in the faith to watch them grow and seek God's plan for their lives. 

I decided that when I return to the states, like Paul, I am going to write to my brothers and sisters (whomever God calls puts on my heart) in Costa Rica. I want them to know how important they are to me, and that I long to see them once again, and for them to know they are loved and deeply missed.

"Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13