Anyhow, as this anniversary has been approaching I have spent some time pondering the 13 years I have spent as a Christian. I know it sounds cliche, but as I reflect on that night when I surrendered my life to Jesus I can truly say that something inside of me changed. I remember that first night experiencing such an overflowing of joy and excitement and new life that I couldn't contain myself from whooping, running and jumping around like a little kid at Disneyland. But the change that took place that night continues in different forms; these past 13 years have taught me that the joy that comes through relationship with Jesus does not always translate to happy feelings. For instance, I also remember the comfort I felt from the Lord when my heart was broken; how He sustained me and comforted me with promises of hope when I was lonely and discouraged. Actually, I think it is in the moments of brokenness--when I feel so fragile and lost--that I begin to understand the depth of the change that occurred in my life just over a decade ago. That, yes, I committed my life into the care and guidance of Jesus and that I have a different hope and purpose as a result. But also that I am changed because that day in August, 2000, Jesus unreservedly committed Himself to me.
The truth of that last statement is rather incomprehensible, awe-inspiring and humbling to me. I don't think I have adequate words to follow it up with, so... on to celebrating this great anniversary! Birthday cake anyone??
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| August 9, 2000 after I gave my life to Jesus (I am on the left) |
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| The note I wrote when I gave my life to Jesus, which I now have taped into my Bible |
4 comments:
I want cake.
Yeah cake! I hope at the very least you get some, Em – this is worth celebrating!
I hope your teenage years aren't super wild and rebellious, but I know that God will continue to draw you closer to Him regardless... neatly summed up by your statement that Jesus unreservedly committed himself to you. So awesome. Thanks for sharing a bit of your day, and party on!
PS Great title! :-)
I love it that you have shared your anniversary! We should all be celebrating those memories and what they mean and accessing if we have let Jesus change us.
Here's to the next 13 years!
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