It never seems to fail that, if I have an especially excellent time in the Lord, the next day I will personally fail in some way. Now, I am not sure why this is for certain. I have several theories. Is it simply because Satan doesn’t want me to remain in a place of such joy? Is it because in that moment I raise my standards to what is Godly and fail to meet them the next day? Is it because the high just simply comes to a crash when it meets up with the world in which we live?

Even after a long term mission trip, your leader will tell you that the day you return home, everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Everything that could put you in a bad mood on that day will do so. It’s true—I have seen it happen. It happens after short term mission trips too.  Knowing this, you would think I would be prepared by now. You would think I would strive to continually walk in the spirit in such a way that I don’t let the world get to me after such great experiences. Let’s just say, I still strive to do so. At least, I can recognize it.

After such a wonderful experience Thursday night in Hillside, my day began terribly at my work. It was one thing after another, even what I felt was a personal attack on one level, and it began as soon as I arrived. I would say I was 3/4 of the way through my day before I approached another Christian and said I should have known better than to let these things get to me. I should have expected it after such a great night the day before. And this person, who also had a wonderful service the day before, was in the same boat. We both agreed that we have to not let these things bother us. We have to focus on God, what is good, and what is important. It’s nice to have Christians you can approach in your workplace.  In spite of that confession, I still admit it took me until later that night when I could be alone with God to find a place of true repentance, peace, and desire to move on. There is nothing like being with God to convince you that what you think is “bad” is really nonsense.

So, today I am admitting to you that I am human, and, I, too, struggle with the ups and downs at times. On those days, I am especially unhappy with myself because I expect more of myself. Yet, between the bad days, there are some wonderful days. It is those times in between, one built upon another, that keep my faith going.  They let me know so much  more is possible, and that gives me the desire to try and try again. Last night, I heard a song by Francesca Battistelli entitled, “Time In Between” about Jesus’ life and the time in between. When you look at it this way, I am so grateful for the times in between.

You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mother’s womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb

(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can’t be
I’m amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between

Don’t take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again

(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You’ll bring
And the things that I can’t see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I’ll sing in the time in between

So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I’m grateful for them all

(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I’m amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between