Hello all! This has been a wonderful last week until school starts to catch my breath and allow for time to settle in.
I got the opportunity to meet for coffee with a good friend and mentor of mine as well as go to the school to pick up my school-given laptop and parking pass (Hooray for parking in the senior parking lot! It’s much closer to the school.)
In addition, I added a new plant to my small collection on my dresser! It’s a Myrtle Topiary that I named Noah. My first plant is a cactus named David, and my other is a zebra plant that I named June. I like having a little bit of life in my room, so it’s always nice to add some more green to the scene (:
The highlight of the week, however, was definitely my friend’s annual waffle and ice cream breakfast before school starts! It’s a wonderful family tradition that they keep each year (this year is the 13th annual breakfast), and I’m blessed to be invited to it for another year and get to take part in such a fun day with good friends around me.
As August began this week, the Lord has put on my heart to step intentionally into a time of deep digging, surrendering, and allowing Him to mold and disciple me the right way as the year starts. He has granted me with a deep desire to know Him more and turn closer to Him in humility and deep reverence of the work of His grace. One thing God has assured me of this week is the gladness in which He works in His servants. Steadfast love, mercy, and joy reign over us as He works; what a wonder that God works day to day in us. I’m rejoicing in the fact that in merely a month, or even just a week, the Lord can reveal progress that we never would have seen just looking at the here and now. Let not the Law condemn us, friends, but instead hold onto the steadfast hope that the Holy Spirit transforms and works in us as believers.
Chapter 8 in the book of Romans comes to mind as I dig into these things in August: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh” (v. 1-3). We have the hope, the grace, and the daily presence of Jesus to guide us into the righteousness that we could never attain on our own. Continually, His Spirit will move in us, convict us, teach us, uplift us, strengthen us, and encourage us as we do this walk of life with Him. Praise be to God who saved us and chose us as His own!
While I settle into this final year of high school, along with the opportunities and obstacles presented, I would appreciate your continued prayers for a deeper faith, seeking the Lord, and strength in doing so! He is working mighty things. I have confidence that I will come out of this season more chiseled into the image of Christ by the sword of His Spirit, more ambitious to seek His face by His grace and desire alone, and nearer to the One who saved my soul.
Much love and gratitude for you all as we partner in this journey,
-Luke Wanca
