Unchanging

From way back in the corner of my closet, I unearthed it yesterday. I had been cleaning, sorting out the things that I use and the things that I don't, to get ready for this upcoming new year.

It's shabby looking and the title page is torn off of this notebook that has travelled the continents.

My Grandmother first gave it to my Dad, many years ago when he was young.

It encompasses three generations of handwriting:

My Grandmother's handwriting

My Dad's handwriting

And then it merges, between my Dad and I:

I was given it mere months before I turned twelve, and not very long after my baptism. As I flipped through the study of Romans that I had completed from where my Dad had left off, it was amazing to see myself as a little child again, writing these thoughts down that are foundational to who I am today.

But the most precious part came when I flipped towards the back.

There, I had started a spiritual journal, and it was amazing to see what He was already doing through such a small child as I was.

And as I read of hours spent digging in His Word, of meetings between my Dad and I to study it together, of church groups joined, of convictions to witness to my African friends, of moments when I felt like everything was good, and moments when I was numb, I was amazed. Simply amazed at how He had started working in me at the age of 12.

But age is no limit. He worked great things when I was small, and He works them still. I wonder at the childlike faith that I did not realize at the time was so precious and foundational.

As I flip to the end, my eyes catch words, and they bring back memories long hidden.

Memories of my naivety regarding the seriousness of my sister's illness. Of hastily said good-byes on the very little chance that we would have to leave. Of days spent in limbo until my future was flipped.

It only took two days.

It brings back the bewilderment and the utter displacement that I felt.

And as I sat there, looking at those words, and reading on to see what else I had written, it struck me.

He's never changed.

Not once.

He was good before, and He was good after...

But it has taken me so very long to see that He was good at that moment, when my future was changed.

He truly does *work* for the good of those who love him.... even when we can't see it at the time.

And His purpose never wavers.

He Is Good.

And as I face an uncertain year, filled with diplomas, decisions about summer and college, figuring out finances, leaving a family, and everything else that graduating entails, this promise remains true.

He is unchanging... and HE IS GOOD.