Originally published Thursday, 26 April 2012.
I just came back from my wonderful college reunion.
I had such a special time reconnecting with beloved friends. There was non-stop laughter, and we all had the sense that not much time had elapsed (although lots of time has elapsed!) since we were all there together.
As we wandered through the Duke campus, ooh-ing and aah-ing at how beautiful it is, and how brainy the incoming freshmen are (“We’d never get into this place today!”), I remembered what it was like to be in college without God as my true foundation.
Although my college years were such an exciting time, I was always keenly aware that somehow, something was acutely missing from my life. And yes, it went far beyond dating!
There were still many years to go before I came to know Christ. In worldly terms, I guess you could say that it looked as if I had it all. I became an M.D., I was able to help people, I got married to a wonderful man (he's still wonderful!) and we enjoyed our friends and careers. Yet still, something was missing.
It wasn't until we started going to Redeemer Presbyterian church in New York City that I first truly heard the gospel. The good news - wait, no, the great news for someone like me. The news that even my best works and efforts weren't enough to bridge the gap between me and God, and that He was going to have to do it Himself.
This was such a relief, because it was something I knew deep down inside all along. I could "put my deadly doings down, down at Jesus' feet. And rest in Him and Him alone, gloriously complete!"
Since those years, God has transformed who I am. I am overjoyed to spend the rest of my life, walking that walk!
So, from that visit, I want to share with you a verse from Jeremiah that has been flowing through my heart and mind.
I hope it will be a blessing to you as well.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in Him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Question: Do you remember a time when you weren't rooted in Christ? What is it like to look back at those times today?
Warmly,
* * *
The best way we learn is from each other. You have a unique wisdom and insight that can truly bless others! So jump in and add your voice. I love to read what you share.
Dr. Ann is a Christian M.D., wife to her wonderful husband, and mom to a terrific gang of three. At The Marriage Checklist Ann blogs to help women in marriage, motherhood, and more! She is syndicated on Crosswalk.com, and has been featured on BlogHer.com, MichaelHyatt.com, Fox news, and Good Morning America.
You can read more from Dr. Ann at TheMarriageChecklist.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
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Are you ready then? Let’s go!
Copyright Dr. Ann 2012
(photo credit: Duke.edu, Creative Commons License)
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