So Paris...now what? How you gonna top that?

"The thief only comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and life to the full." John 10:10

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Now that the excitement of being back home is wearing off and I'm beginning to see people for "the first time in 2 years" less and less, reality is sinking in and I'm feeling like the normal Talia who lives in Grants Pass, not "Talia who's been in Paris for 2 years." I can't tell you how many times I've been presented with the question, "You lived in Paris huh? So how you gonna top that now?" And every time my answer is always, "Well, when you're following Jesus, it's a pretty easy thing to do." But as much as I say it and as much as I know the truth of that statement in my head, does it make its way to my heart? As much belief as I put in it, do I rely on it?

I've gone back to the job I had before Paris. First day back, I was so excited to get started. I felt so blessed to be a part of making a daily difference in children's lives. I was so excited. But of course, as working with 200 or so kids a day gets to you, you begin to feel overwhelmed, and that's when doubt, fear, and cynicism sets in, and you begin to question things. It's only been a week, and I can't tell you how many times I've already had to hold tightly to these verses in John and Nehemiah. (above) As much as I have to cling to the life and joy that the Lord gives, I have to be aware that there is an enemy that is trying to steal, kill, and destroy those very things.

Now the way we would define a full life is usually not God's idea of what that means. It's not about happiness and good luck, it's about joy and peace in hard times and God's plan at work. It's not about money and worldly success, it's about God's Kingdom first and then "all these things will be added unto you." (what we need, not necessarily what we want) It's not about having a summer house in the South of France and a yacht, it's about "storing up heavenly treasures." It's not about our desires, but rather them aligning with His desires.

So life in Paris was very exciting. But I'm in Grants Pass now. And as exciting as walking the streets of the City of Lights was, I still have the Light of the World as my guide. I'm still walking with the same Jesus I walked with while gazing at the lights on the Eiffel Tower. The same God that was portrayed in the stained-glass windows in the Notre Dame Cathedral is living inside of my heart. So regardless of how small the town or how seemingly insignificant the impact, God is still at work and always will be. In fact, it's not just something I say or know, it's something that I have to passionately believe, fervently stand on, and confidently rely on. Jesus came that I might have life to the full and He meant that for me and for all of us, regardless of the city we live in, the trials we go through, or the challenges we face. Instead of basing the faithfulness of God's love, our success, or our happiness, on our circumstances, let's believe God loves us despite what the messages of this world might tell us and that the life He promises is bigger than worldly ambition. Let's have joy be our strength, and let's walk everyday in the fullness of the life God gives.