Meditations

I was feeling so stressed yesterday. I spent so much time researching things to do in the future. Should I stay in Japan? Should I take some time to further my education to open more doors? Should I get teacher certification so I can work anywhere in the US? Should I work in Mexico, because it would be a short trip home? Should I become a PE teacher? That last one was a weird mental jump, but ever since coming to Japan, being a PE teacher looks fun.

I didn't get anywhere in my thoughts except more stressed, so I set my computer aside and headed off to the beach.

I walked about 3/4 of a mile by and on the empty beach, and decided to sit down and take some time for meditation. My meditation is mostly just resting my mind from negative thoughts and being present in the moment/soaking in my surroundings.

Here is a plug for my current favorite app - 8tracks. You can listen on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. There are all kinds of awesome music playlists. I highly recommend it.

Since it was Sunday afternoon, I pulled up a playlist on 8tracks called Christian Indie is Cool no. 2. I just sat, listened, looked at the water, and ran my hands through the warm sand. I was slowly relaxing when I heard:

"You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand"

I was a little startled. Lord, is that you? It was a song I had never heard before. I kept listening.

"And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine"

The song was just what I needed to hear. I don't know what's ahead. But it was amazing to be reminded that God has it under control. The path may be hard or fun or both, but He will be there.

If anyone (like me) hasn't heard this song, it is called "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United.

I'm really grateful for the Making Connections activity! These times of taking time out to focus my thoughts have been awesome.