"...we are not as strong as we think we are. We are frail, we are fearfully and wonderfully made/ Forged in the fires of human passion/Choking on the fumes of selfish rage/And with these our hells and our heavens so few inches apart/We must be awfully small/ And not as strong as we think we are."

Some of the words from this Rich Mullins song have been echoing in my head. How fragile we human beings can be. To be having an incredible week, filled with Christ's presence and feeling that nothing on this earth can faze me, to the next moment be wondering (at least, emotionally, even if I never doubt objectively) about His provision, His care.

Just because of a couple of things that, while not fun to go through at the moment, probably are not only being blown a little bit out of proportion, but also are not terribly significant in the big scheme of things. Crazyness.

Thinking back over this year so far, though, I'm incredibly encouraged. It has been rich with experience already. Some awesome times, some not so awesome, but definitely God has been doing a really deep work in my life. Teaching me those precious lessons that can only be learned in the fire. And for this, I am so grateful.

[And, a co-worker came by just now and entertained some of us with his Lawrence Welk impressions. That provided some awesome comic relief ... and, hmmmm, do I sense another great act for our next GFA talent show? :oD]

As Christians, isn't it wonderful to know that our joy is not predicated on our circumstances?