Ramblings-- Chandy

My aunt was in a nostalgic mood and sent these pictures to me yesterday. The first pic is from 4 years ago. Luke and I were about to head off to our junior year of college at Abilene Christian University. The second pic was taken about 6 months ago in Rock Island. Those same kids now grown up a bit.

It's amazing to think about the past few years. I loved all those kids 4 years ago, but that love has even grown more now. Sometimes when they have had a bad day at school or home life is rough I just want to sit and hold them... I have to remember they aren't little kids anymore. :) It's hard to believe that some of the babies in the first picture are now having babies.

I think if there is one thing I have learned since 4 years ago it's that I can't save the world. I'm pretty sure when the first picture was taken I had dreams of all the kids going to college, staying drug/alcohol free, accepting Christ and raising good families. I still have those dreams for my kids, but a lot have fallen through the cracks over the years. It hurts me, but I'm lucky to serve a God who is a redeemer and I know without a doubt He can still save those kids. It's not up to me. I'm also lucky that God didn't call me to save these kids from their decisions, He just called me to love them.

Last night I was meeting with my small group from Northchurch and the question came up, " what is different now then from when you didn't know the Lord?" I think it's the sense of security I have. I know, without a doubt, that ultimately everything is going to be okay. I know that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Rom. 8:28) I don't fall to pieces, I trust in my Lord.

Yesterday one of my teen girls called in a complete panic and I just told her in an even-toned voice that everything is going to be okay. I just kept repeating that and eventually she became frustrated at the catch phrase and said "why do you keep saying that?" I say that because I KNOW that God is faithful. He wants the best for his children and I am secure in that.
I know that sounds cheesy and overly optimistic but I BELIEVE it.

How lucky the kids in these pictures are that they aren't relying on me to save them.. because I'm human and can't do it. If I was trying to do it, I wouldn't be able to do my job. I see hurt, tragedy and devastation everyday and it's just a reminder that I am incapable and unqualified. It's not my obligation to save them, it's to love them. HE will save them.