Dear Reader,
Ever since I left for university in February 2014, it has been a whirlwind of emotions and events.
The first week was especially difficult for me as I missed home terribly. I cried every single day. I would see think to myself, "Dad would like this book! Mom would definitely get that lip-balm! My brothers would love this game!" and I would suddenly be hit with the longing for home. At night, I'd wish that the family dog was with me just so I could cuddle her and so I would not be that cold.
As the weeks passed, I became accustomed to remain constantly in contact with my family. Whenever a difficult situation arose, I would call home.
After a particularly embarrassing event occurred, I didn't care that it wasn't the usual time I called home or that my parents were probably not in. I just called, no second thoughts.
I spent time talking to my siblings, who cheered me up in their own special way. Just by telling them what had happened and listening to their voices, I felt the embarrassment fade away. By the time the call ended, I was ready to face reality.
But as I walked home, I realised I hadn't called one really important Person. I realised that it was so easy for me to call my family, but so difficult to call the One Who is closer than them.
It was with a huge effort on my part to call out to Jesus. I had to squash the feelings that told me I had already talked to Him yesterday. I had to fight the thoughts that said I didn't have to. So it was with this internal struggle that I raised my eyes to the sky and said,
"Hey, God? It's me calling."
It's a struggle for me to pray at times. I think this is something everyone can relate to. I'm not saying I suddenly found it easier to pray, because I didn't.
What I am saying is that, when I have struggle in prayer or reading the Word, something tugs at me and says, "Have you called out to Jesus?"
And that's the best time call out to Him.
Yours,
Joanna
