Looking Back

So, recently I have had a number of people from grade school and high school get in touch with me through facebook. It's been an interesting time for me to reflect on God's grace and goodness in my life, in lifting me out of my former life and giving me a new one. But, it's also caused me to look back at some not so wonderful memories. Believe it or not, I was not at all popular in school. In fact, I was the object of much ridicule and teasing. I'm not sure why. I think it was because I was shy and quiet, an easy target back then, younger than everyone else in my class. I used to let it bother me. In fact, my grade school experience left me quite depressed and lonely, questioning God as to why I was so unloveable? Why no one liked me. The truth is, not everyone treated me poorly. It was a small group of girls and a few guys, but it was every day. Over the years, as I moved to Uniontown, started high school, met new people, I learned that I wasn't the only one that was outcast. I began to look for people who didn't fit in and make friends with them. I decided that no one should ever feel the way I did in school. For those of you who know me now, you'll note that one of my greatest giftings is including everyone in my life, no matter how different. God used that time to plant in me a seed of compassion that He continually waters with His Spirit so that it continues to grow. Had I not experienced the things I did, I may have turned out completely different. In fact, I could imagine that I'd be pretty arrogant and not very caring at all. God knew what He was doing. Why does that always surprise me? It shouldn't! I am who I am today because of each and every experience that God allowed in my life. I have been stuck on Psalm 139:16 lately. God had written all the days of my life before there was any. He has woven together an intricate plan for my life that will make me the person He has designed me to be for the purpose of bringing Him glory. In the meantime, He has allowed me to enjoy many blessings, suffer many trials that I might grow, love many people, and in the end......see Him face to face and enjoy Him for all eternity! Who would have thought getting in touch with the painful past could point me to a far greater future. God is good no matter what is going on around you. He loves you and He has a plan for your life. Praise Him because He is worthy!