More than you could ever imagine or guess or request...

 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.  Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)

We took a mini-road trip a few weeks back up to Pymatuning State Park.  It was a gorgeous, warm fall day and a much-needed break from a hectic fall schedule.  It is these times that I can step away from the perpetual grind of school and sports and chores, and really just soak in the moments, I can truly appreciate my blessings.  

I read a verse this week in a couple different translations and it spoke to my heart.  God can do anything...above and beyond what we can even comprehend.  This is so basic, so obvious, and yet we forget it all the time.  And He works in our lives "gently."  I am so undeserving of this kind of patient, quiet love.  I am so quick to demand and criticize and then ask again for more.  
And yet, in spite of being so undeserving, everywhere I look I see abundance.  I see beauty, and perfection in His Creation.  I see hope when I stop to appreciate the attention He has put into everything...from the glorious colors in Fall leaves, to the tiniest little ladybug.  

I hope that we can all allow ourselves a break from "the schedule" to stop and just appreciate all that He has done for us.  Do this often...it is what our souls need more than anything else...to be connected with our Creator and to find rest in drawing near to Him.