New Old Lessons.

Finals week is quickly approaching, and with it there's much to say, think, feel, and yes, do.

Finals week is a peculiar beast for me. The nerdy side of me absolutely loves every single minute of it - seriously, long days in the library reading, reciting, reviewing. Sigh … heart throb. But the free-spirit side of me is getting weary by the long days indoors while the trees are budding outside where sunshine replaces florescent lighting.

Though my mind and heart are strapped to the pendulum perpetually swinging between the two extremes, the Lord is reminding me of an old familiar truth I've long neglected.

He's here.

Elementary? Maybe. But it struck me afresh when...

I was reading a commentary for my exegesis paper and He stopped me and reminded me that the Book was written about me and Him.

I was sitting in the sunshine trying to read (and failing epically, I might add) and a spider on my quilt fascinated me - the way it moved with agility and grace and the meticulous way He must have designed it.

I was talking with girlfriends about Greek and we were reminded that soon it will all be over, and His Spirit pulled me aside and said, "Yes, one Day, it will all be over…all of it."

I was translating Galatians 4 and was actually starting to get a smooth translation and was filled with awe that we serve a God who articulates Himself to us so well and so intentionally.

I was talking to Him on a quiet morning and asking Him to remind me of His presence and instantly a flood of these memories came to mind…

He's here. And He wants us to know it. There's something about the busyness of this season that has made me forget that He wants to intrude every moment. And that inviting Him turns an intrusion into an intimate moment shared with Him. I've asked for open eyes and I'm beginning to see Him…

In the way the tulips relentlessly push back the winter earth and insist on newness.

In the way my boyfriend forgives the rough edges in my spirit and, in doing so, preaches the gospel to me.

In the way my roommies constantly show me grace when I still haven't figured out how to love them well, and even when I've given up trying.

In the way my friends celebrated me and the year the Lord has put behind me and the next He's put before me, reminding me that He celebrates that I am more like Him for having tread the territory of the past 365 days.

In all this and more, He's here. He's pushing towards us, prompting us, calling to us in every crevice of the day. He's catching us unexpectedly, reminding us of His love, taking our breath away by the wonder of His constant love. And all we have to do is notice...