Somewhere sunny and 75… That was Missouri today, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish I had more to write about than that, but overall, today was just a good day to be alive and outside.

My good friends know that I’m always the DJ because I have a knack for crafting the perfect playlist, and I am proud to say that yesterday I made a really great Christian music playlist titled “Praise You In This Storm.” It was inspired by Casting Crowns’ song, and on my walk to class this morning that song really spoke to me. I couldn’t get two lines from the chorus out of my head: “And though my heart is torn/I will praise You in this storm.”

In econ class today, I had the realization that God knew the only way to get through to me was by giving me the broken, imperfect relationship I thought I needed, and then taking it away when He knew I was ready to rely on Him and desire only His love. And my heart is torn right now because of it.

I didn’t even know I was ready for what I am experiencing, but God always knows what we don’t. So now here I am, in this storm. Ironic that I’m in the middle of a storm, but the crazy Missouri weather is finally shaping up…

K-Love’s daily verse was Psalm 42:11, which says, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!” I did feel a little discouraged today, despite the gorgeous weather and my genuine good mood. This time of year sends so many beautiful memories flooding back, and I guess I’ve just realized that I might never have moments like the ones in my memories again.

But my heart doesn’t need to be sad about that. If I put my hope in God, I will have so much more to look forward to, and looking back won’t hurt so much anymore. I’ll only smile and thank God for making my life so beautiful.

The other song from my playlist that has been on repeat all day is Hillsong UNITED’s “Oceans.” That song is THE best. “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me…”

I want that. Now that I know that the Holy Spirit is in me, I want to be led by It and trust in that path completely.

Day 7 gave me hope.