Another Look...

I was reading through my 2006 journal a few nights ago and took some time to reflect on how far I have come, by the grace of God, in this past year. It is amazing to me how different a life and situation can change with the Lord, 525,600 minutes and a little bit of patience.

I am going to compare one day last year to one day this year to share the differences.

To set the stage I was working a security job out in New Orleans in the areas destroyed by hurricane Katrina. I was working 12 hour days 7 days a week. I had a good salary and was making lots of money, but still working more than should be allowed.

My journal entry March 15th, 2006 reads;
"Working Roadway today, haven't been here since Lemon was sick back in mid January. Of all the truck yards I like this one the least. I don't really know why because it's the easiest one, maybe that's why I don't like it: the lack of challenge!
I like a challenge, I need the stimulation. I do have challenge in my life, just none in my work. It seems that work is all I do so I don't have much of a life, so the challenge I have is small. I need more balance! It's like faith and works you need to have a balance in both to be able to make forward progress, otherwise you're just going in circles.
Going in circles, going in circles like a merry-go-round. When I was a kid of all the thing at the playground I hated the merry-go-round, constant movement and spent energy only to be made sick. Dizzy and nauseous, when getting off you can't stand up straight, you have no concept of direction and I can't stand that feeling.
So what do I feel like right now? Like Enoch; "Stop the World I want to get off!!"
I will hang on! My determination and resolve to find my footing each and every time I stepped off that merry-go-round has only gotten stronger over the years! The good news? I always found my footing, so why wouldn't I now."

One year later, I am living in Mexico in an FD home, receive no monetary payment for my work and am on call 24/7.

My journal entry March 15th 2007 reads.
"Wow so much has changed! I have direction in my life and my work. I have challenge in my life equally balanced. Thank you Lord for that. You have been my rock, my anchor , my light! I am not living alone, I work side by side with people who have the same goal as I, to do our part each day to change this world around us, just one life at a time. I am loved, I am not alone. I am broken and yielded to the Lord's will in my life! I have been refreshed and renewed.
What do I feel like now? 'Bring it on!' Do your worst, for I will be here always to go on and do my best! I cannot be stopped, cuz' as I grow weak He grows strong. And I am going to live for ever!"