I tell this story...even at the risk of sounding shallow.

My car was in the shop ALL day today (whole other story)! So having no car I walked everywhere! I walked home from the car place (1.5 miles), I walked to the store (4 times because they conveniently left some stuff out of my bag) and I walked BACK to the car place to pick up my car.

On one of my many trips to the grocery store I called my mom. Something inside me just feels better walking places if I'm talking on the phone. I seem to believe I look a little less awkward. While talking with my mom I admitted this to her, "I don't like walking places (unless exercising). It makes me feel poor. As if everyone is looking at me and thinking...look at that girl that doesn't have a car." I wanted to be wearing a shirt that said, "My car is in the shop." Like anyone cares!

The truth is...I am a little shallow. I like my "stuff." I like to look good on the outside to people. So in short today I was humbled and grateful. Humbled by having to walk everywhere and humbled to see my hearts reaction. Grateful that I am so well provided for. I am a lucky girl...I try not to take it for granted.

AND...Hey, at least I had these cute new Toms to walk around in!

Just about every wednesday I head over to the Eaton's for dinner. I can't tell you how my heart just overflows when I walk in the door and have three little faces that couldn't be more excited to see me. Yes...I usually bring dessert...but I like to think that they'd be excited even if I came empty handed.

It makes me wonder...am I that way with God? Am I excited to see Him ONLY as long as he is bringing me something good? I know his love for me is always the same, whether I'm doing what He would want or even if I'm not. But does my love waiver when He's not doing what I want?

I've been reading a book called Cold Tangerines. I read a chapter every morning in my quiet time. A few weeks back I came across a chapter titled "blessings and curses."

"I know that it seemed like God was being cruel. But He was not. What I know now is that his kindness burns through even the deepest betrayals and invites life from death every chance we let Him. There are things that explode into our lives and we call them curses, and then one day, a year later or ten years later, we realize that they were actually something else. They are the very most precious kinds of blessings.
...we're discovering that often times, maybe not every time, but more times than not, there is something just past the heartbreak, just past the curse, just past the despair, and that thing is beautiful. One day you'll wake up surprised and humbled, staring at something you thought for sure was a curse and has revealed itself to be a blessing-a beautiful, delicate blessing. "

And in that I heard God..."Piper, do you trust me?"

So...even when God comes over for dinner and doesn't have dessert in His hands...I am still going to greet Him with excitement, knowing that His hands are never really empty.