John 6:37

"All that the Father gives to me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."

At a time where it's extremely hard for me to understand why certain things happen, that I had never planned on occurring, or thought could happen, I should know far better than to think I know what's best for me. I'm not saying that I'm completely daft, and shouldn't make my own choices, but rather that I should let go a lot more.

For one thing, over-analyzing your life, and always trying to figure out the purpose or reason for things is consuming and unproductive. Of course you should think about things, but there's a point when you just have to let things go and realize that you're not in control. I firmly believe that even though I might want a sweet flat screen tv, and to have my own place and a big yard for Reggie, doesn't mean it is what I need or deserve. Most things in our lives are wonderful extras God has given us to enjoy and reward us.

Matt was explaining to me once man's relationship to God, he'd read in a CS Lewis book, I think, and how it was compared to that of the relationship of a dog and its master. If the dog were to chew his master's shoes and pee on the carpet, the master would be upset but would understand it's just a dog, scold it but still love it. The master would have endless love for his pet. The same way God has endless love for us. And over time, the master knows what's best for the dog, and will make sure it gets what it needs. Example: There is a heap of garbage that smells amazing and the dog wants to devour it. It doesn't think about if there are items that could hurt it, or if he'll get sick, he just knows its awesome and he wants it. But the master knows better, and will do what he can to keep the dog away. [Granted there are two arguments to this that I can think of immediately: 1) God is sovereign over our existence, and has the power to do anything, including stop the dog from eating the trash or make him not even want it. 2) God has given us free will, so perhaps the dog, even against the action taken to stop him from eating the trash, will still get to it and eat it. How can God be in control, but we still have free will? Its a confusing thing, but not for this post. Or for me to try and explain. Mars Hill has some good sermons on this, though.]

Getting back to the point, God loves us and gives us just what we need, and sometimes much more, only because He loves us. Not because we do anything to deserve such things. Of course, rewards are part of it, there's no way, though, to say: if you do this, you will receive this. And sometimes those things he gives us aren't even 'things', but rather people in our lives. While you meet many people throughout your life, don't think that some aren't worth anything. Even the seemingly meaningless meeting may hold an opportunity for you to do something pleasing, whether it be compliment a stranger walking by, which may change their mood for the day, or just saying thank you. Days Away had a great line in one of their songs: 'Well its the simplest things we tend to ignore, and its the simplest things that mean so much more...'

Anyway, I know that certain people have been put into my life, and while I don't always understand why, I can see how they have influenced me, which is amazing. God has given me some seriously wonderful people, and even though things don't go the way I want them to, He has used those people to challenge me, help me grow, and even reward me. I couldn't be more blessed than to have the company that I do. So, even if someone seems really rotten and not worth your time, maybe it is Jesus placing someone in your circle, to help out, influence, and share His love with. You never know what may happen. When I first met Matt, Toby, and those guys, I was a hyper little person, swearing up a storm, with no real cares about much. I was definitely not really someone I would ever think those guys would have taken in and loved the way have. Now look at me! I'm not a lot better, but I think I'm pretty ok, and have changed a lot. Those people in my life, especially Matt, have probably been the absolute greatest gift [other than Reggie] I will ever receive.

Don't disregard people too quickly. You never know what their purpose in your life may turn out to be.