Good poems

My grandma was a poet. Not professionally, but more recreationally. She had a haiku published in a poetry book at probably the age of 80. I just remember that she had managed to find a fancy word that rhymed with "orange."

For some reason I've thought a lot about her lately. Maybe because my roommate next year is from Nashville. Maybe because Valentine's Day came and went, and she was one of the my most beloved friends. Maybe because I wonder if she saw me today, if she'd be proud of me. Maybe because, over 2 years after she passed away, I still wish I had been able to say goodbye to her and hadn't been on the other side of the world. Maybe because I need some encouragement right now, and she was the most encouraging person I've ever known. Maybe because I need her to keep pointing me to the arms of Christ.

As I'm feeling overwhelmed by school and life, I'm reminded how she was always assured of the goodness and faithfulness of the Father. I've delighted in His goodness and faithfulness this past week as I've taken long walks, ice-skated with my friend and a million teenagers, seen the beautiful blue sky, and gazed at the stars. I hope you're also reminded of His goodness and faithfulness, even if your world is crumbling. Even if your world seems perfect. Even if you're lost and all alone. Even if you're surrounded by tons of friends. Even if you're being pelted with rain. Even if you're basking in the warmth of sunshine. Even if you're grief-stricken. Even if you're bursting with joy. Even if you're feeling completely inadequate. Even if you're feeling strong and healthy...

And He delights in us. Isn't that incredible? He delighted in my grandma's poetry. He delights in us as we use our lives to bring glory to Him. Maybe He even delights in me as I struggle through grad school, wondering how I'll make it.