It Is Well

Well, let me start out by saying that I haven't had a day off in a very long time!  I am an Office Administrator for a local engineering firm here in Raleigh, NC.  I manage 15 different office overhead budgets and 10 different Administrative staff up and down the northeast.  It is a lot of work and has challenged and grown me in many different ways - one of which is learning how to really have work/life balance.  So, you can imagine how excited I was knowing that I was about to take off (unplug from the corporate world) for two full work days to go to my very favorite place - The Beach!  Not only that, but I was going to be spending it with my husband and family!  No phones, no email....just the sound of the ocean and my feet hitting the warm soft sand and some of my favorite peeps in the world with me.  Oh yeah...count me in!

The day before I left, I decided to check the weather so I knew how to pack and I have to say that when I looked at the weather forecast for my two days off, I was really bummed out.  I mean, not only was there a chance of rain, it was calling for tropical storm Andrea to hit!  "Why, now!?! Seriously God??  I have two days to relax at my favorite place and it is calling for a tropical storm?"  (Michael would be happy of course - because he loves weather and is a hobbyist Storm Chaser.  More about that in another blog post!) Well, there was no stopping this girl from going to the beach - even a tropical storm - so off we went!

When we arrived we suited up and headed right for the ocean - sun hats and all!  I was so happy I couldn't get down to the beach fast enough!  The ocean was rough but the breeze was perfect!  Whether I am riding the waves or rubbing my toes in the sand - I get very contemplative on the beach.  The vastness of the might ocean totally reminds me of how much I am not in control.  It reminds me of how great our Creator is -- and how every time and season (and weather pattern) is really an awesome picture of God's creative and sovereign artistry.   

Every time I am on the beach, I always think of the hymn "It Is Well".  (Mostly because of part in it where it talks about sea billows rolling.) It reminds me that even when the weather (or life) forecast is going to be rough, It Is Well with my soul because of the mercy and grace of God!  I thought I'd add the lyrics here for you to read.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Chorus:

It is well, it is well

with my soul, with my soul

It is well, it is well, with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall decend,

Even so!  It is well, with my soul!

See ya'll next blog post!

-Joyce