Is God good? Is God kind? In rough seasons of stress and anxiety, seeing God’s goodness and kindness becomes difficult. We become blind to the truth of God, because God is good and God is kind.

How I See God’s Kindness

I grew up in rural Kentucky, but don’t think a farm family. We lived surrounded by tobacco and cows, but the closest we dealt with farm life was calling the neighbor when a cow got out. We lived on two acres, read books, played school, and a lot of creative arts (as in so many blurry pictures we had to send off for processing). 

I picked up books number one of The Saddle Club and the Thoroughbred Series and my heart for reading obsessively tossed me into a love for horses. In the 4th grade I wrote a letter to my parents persuasively begging for a horse. In the 5th grade I would ask to spend Spring Break at the Kentucky Horse Park for all five days. And that changed everything. People with kind hearts took notice and gave their time to help grow my love of horses from a dream to reality. Each visit I would learn more about the realities of horse ownership and instead of shying away, I would lean in more.

A lot happens between then and now. So much it makes me teary to process just how amazingly complicated the plan had to be to get here, even though here isn’t the end. (I hope at least). I really did tear up after I finished a horse show one Saturday. It was one of those moments I couldn’t manage the emotional overload from looking back and seeing the present. 

Looking back gives us context for seeing the special nature of some moments. I remember feeling happy riding, I could see goodness in the moment, but it takes the perspective time gives to really comprehend the God-sized unique goodness of my time in horse world. Memories are great, but come in far second to the friendships built and character strengthened found in a barn aisle.

God’s Kindness in my Teaching Career

In my career, I can look back and trace what is the visible kindness of God. Let me quickly walk you through it – my high school was super small and electives were few and far between. Instead of letting people graduate early, the school created an “early college academy” before it was a thing. I took part in the opportunity and graduated high school with 2 years of college credit. During that process, I met a mentor who I desired to become in the content taught and the encouragement she modeled. I transferred to my 4-year and found another mentor who provided challenge, respect, and authentic care. In graduate school, I found opportunities to work in higher education and expand my network.

Today, my office resides three doors down from my initial mentor. I stood as the maid-of-honor in her daughter’s wedding because we became fast friends. The job I landed happened when any other person would say I was too inexperienced. These moments along the way mattered in the pathway of my teaching career and ultimately for the students I hope to have an impact on each semester.

Seamless Bible Study Recap

Have you reflected on those moments – where were there turns in the road? Who did you meet along the way? God was there. It’s like a good art gallery, you won’t know it’s good if you don’t take the time to honor the art and the artist. The work done in the Seamless study so far does just that, it looks at the context and history of God and his promise to his children to see the glory of the life and story of Jesus. Without knowing about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Noah, Moses, Rahab, Samuel, and David; the promise given to Abraham; the grace given to Moses and the Israelites.  The story of the crucifixion alone is enough, but it isn’t the full story. Sacrifice and suffering existed far before the cross, yet nothing compares to the cross. 

I asked this a few weeks ago, but I have to ask again…can you look back and see Gods work in your life? Do you feel Him moving in your present? As this study moves into what most would consider more familiar territory (New Testament), don’t forget what we’ve covered. 

What are your ah-ha moments so far during the study? Share them in the comments!

Seamless Week 5 Bullet Points

• People have been waiting 400 years for the promised Messiah – 400 years of silence.
• Matthew 1 Genealogy -> so many familiar names! David, Jacob, Isaac! The genealogy of Jesus — filled with flawed humans.
• John prepared the way for Jesus, alerting people of his arrival
• “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” – Matthew 10:22
• Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
• Pilate doesn’t have a charge for Jesus; tries multiple strategies to release Jesus and keep the peace; none of them work.
• Saul approves the death of Stephen; becomes Paul -> one of the most influential individuals for building the church

Have you read this article on the anatomy and physiology on the crucifixion of Jesus? It is hard to read. While some of the language is hard, that isn’t what I mean. Even with some of the higher level AP language, you can work through the article. Reading with the scientific language does slow us down. However, it allows us to pay attention to each detail of just how much pain and suffering Jesus endured on our behalf.

Find the article here.