Forget-Him-Not

My priorities lately have been messed-up. School is back in full-swing and I just can't find my rhythm. When I get home from school I either work out or zone out on the computer. My temper is getting shorter and little things are starting to get on my nerves. But, I recall the words of my college friend Esther who told me that when people annoy her, it's because she hadn't spent enough time with the Lord. This is truth that still convicts me 8 years later! As I examine my life over the past few weeks, I realize that I have been forgetting to hold on to some of God's goodness and truth. But... there is hope! Today, I was reminded of a similar time in my life when God was especially faithful.


October '99...
The highlight of my college career was my sophomore year. I lived on a hall with girls who I now consider to be some of my best friends. The floor was named "Epiphany" and God has continued to reveal himself to me through these precious friends.

That October, we had planned to go on a retreat with our brother wing (i can't remember their name?). I almost didn't go because I was so overwhelmed with school and just couldn't take the time off to focus on anything else...or so I thought. But I decided to make the drive and all 35 people (give or take a few) stayed the night in Tallequah, OK along the Arkansas River. Now, most people think of Oklahoma solely as the home of the Dust Bowl, but the Northeastern corner is full of beauty. I can still remember the autumn leaves, the cold night air, smores, playing capture the flag in the dark, and staying up all night. A small group of us thought it would be fun to stay up and watch the sunrise. Well, it was a wonderful time in God's creation but we all payed dearly for the next few days. Perhaps that's why I start fading around 7:30 (:

There was nothing particularly special about this retreat except that it was a time to do nothing else but simply enjoy being with the Lord. As I was listening to some music today, I was taken back to this memory that is now 8 years old. Before we headed back to Tulsa, we had a time of praise and worship. My friend Kim sang a song called "I Will Not Forget You". This, of course, let to my purchase of the following CD:

How fitting for my life today. Sometimes I get so busy that I forget. I forget to begin my day by handing it over to the Lord. I forget to thank Him for his provision which comes in the form of a job. I forget to be Jesus to my students. I forget to praise Him for what He's done because I am too busy asking Him for more. I forget to spend real time in fellowship with Him because I would rather do something mindless, like watch TV.

This CD was what I needed today. It reminded me of a time where I chose to not forget Him. With each song, I'm back in Tallequah...far from home but happy to be with friends and soaking up God's goodness. I love that the Lord has given us music as a reminder of how He's moved in our lives.

During that sophomore year, I made the best friends I've ever known. I met girls who pushed me towards Jesus, called me out when necessary, and were just plain fun. So, thank you Lord for Epiphany and for the truth that you continue to reveal to us. And I pray that in the busy-ness of life as a "grown-up", I will not forget Him.