'Tis a Good Friday!

I woke up this morning thinking, "Why am I awake right now?...Oh I have school this morning...Maybe I should sleep in and not go..." like so many other college students. However, my thought process continued with, "It's Good Friday, that could be a good excuse to not go to class! I'll just go to the restroom and make my decision after I get up on whether or not I'll go!". As I dragged myself out of bed, I thought of the possible consequences of not going to school...how my father would be disappointed in me after finding out I had school today, how my mother would react in seeing that I did not go, and how I would miss my dear friends in class and a possible in-class assignment. Then I thought of the benefits of sleeping in (since I was awakened twice in the middle of the night by a restless hamster), and the excuse of, "Oh if I sleep in, I can just open up God's word after I wake up and read about His crucifixion then!" as if that would make me feel better about myself. Overall, I feel ridiculous thinking these things. Ultimately, I made the decision to go to school. 

Last night I had stayed up late reading Matthew 26-27:56, the plot to kill Jesus through His crucifixion. I'm glad I did. The Holy Spirit sometimes reveals strange things to you when you're tired. This morning He reminded me that I'm using a day to remember His crucifixion as an excuse to make myself more comfortable. How ironic is that?? It finally clicked as I was battling my first world decision in my head on the way to the bathroom (lol). How is it a blessing to the Lord to possibly disappoint my parents and make myself even more comfortable on a day to remember such sacrifice and pain? How does that make sense? Not only that, but He also knows my heart. He knows that I foolishly thought about "making it up to Him" by reading His word after sleeping in, as if He needs me! Puhleez. I should be sacrificing more, even if it is just a man-made holiday! That would make more sense than listening to my flesh. I'm still baffled over the fact that I'm just now learning this. It's completely humbling. 

And in all this, He continues to bless me. 1. Dad woke up while I was getting ready for school today and made a large pot of coffee to share with me. 2. I had time to read a different account of His crucifixion (John 18-19:30) in my car before class started. 3. My classmates made me laugh and smile as they shared stories and lovingly asked how I was doing. 4. My sister and I got to visit our best friend at work and do a little shopping together without any irritated quarrels. 5. At work, our newest co-worker revealed to me that she loves Jesus too, and helped me so much in the bakery with her joyful heart and readiness to serve! I'm counting my blessings and they're stacked up so high! I would keep going, but I don't want to bore you or make you jealous! ;D 

I'm at the end of my day now and I'm reminding myself that the great thing about His crucifixion is that it's not the end of the story. Easter is coming up, and I get to celebrate His resurrection with my church family and my biological family...and now that I think about it, I shouldn't be as bummed as I have been about having to work on Sunday afternoon! Maybe I should be excited about working on Sunday, since He is the great and almighty Savior, who conquered death, that I may serve Him well no matter where I am...or how tired I may be. 

Come, Oh Lord. Maranatha.