Have you ever thought about the progression of events, and the people that you’ve encountered that have radically impacted who you have become?  Maybe someone hurt you.  Maybe someone inspired you.  Maybe someone important to you was lost to cancer, or a heart attack.  So many things impact us and play key roles in helping us become who we are.

Yesterday, I went on a field trip with one of my classes for school, and all along the way, I was thinking about the things that have impacted me.  We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, my mom was sick a lot when I was a kid, my dad never lost faith, my grandfather died of a heart attack… all of these things left an ever-lasting footprint on my schema.

And, then, I began to think about God, who has had the most impact of anyone or anything that I could ever think of.  He not only put events in motion in our lives, but He heals us from the hurts and the pains that we receive along the way.  He allows us to go through difficult circumstances, but He is so faithful to bring healing as well.

Even in my good character traits, they’re only things that come from Him… patience, empathy, boldness.  Those are things I wasn’t born with, that He created in me.  But this whole thing, it’s not just something that has happened for Rana, and that’s it.  God is offering it to each one of us.

When we get to know God on a deeper level, He becomes a part of us. Our character, our perspectives, opinions, and cares begin to take on the likeness of God.  These are a lot of the time talked about as the fruit of the spirit, in Galatians 6.

When you normally wouldn’t be kind, He gives you kindness.

When normally you wouldn’t be gentle, you are gentle.

When you wouldn’t love, He gives you love.

Your circumstances give you no reason to rejoice, He gives you joy.

On and on….

It’s beautiful.