I did it!

In Illinois, most kids get their driving permit between the ages of 15 and 16, and then their license the next year, after taking driver's ed. I decided to be weird (nothing new there). My parents told me and my brother we couldn't take our driving tests until we were 18, for many different reasons. My brother promptly got his permit at 18, and a few months later, his license. I, on the other hand, am now 19 1/2 and just got my license. Why did it take me so long? Because I didn't need it. Driving is a privilege I didn't feel the need to take advantage of since my family was completely willing to take me anywhere I needed to go, and was usually going somewhere with them anyway. Now that I'm working full time, 30 minutes away, it is a little difficult for someone to have to drive me, then pick me up a few hours later, when they have their own lives to attend to as well. So I finally got around to taking drivers ed online, and then yesterday, I took my driving test (and passed, might I add). What did I do with this new-found freedom? Go see Bella B, of course! Nothing like the first time driving alone forgetting about construction on a major road during rush hour. I am now pretty confident in my driving skills after surviving that adventure. :)

Beware world! I am licensed to drive and will
probably be using that ability quite a bit. 

The silly little nunkey was very happy about my first choice
of where to drive. :D

It's Worth It

Ballerinas work hard. Really hard. Hours and hours of pain, soreness, blisters, tears, and sweat go into every dance they learn. They work until everything hurts and they don't think they can move another muscle, and then keep going. It is insane. All of that for maybe five minutes on stage.

This begs the question why? Seriously, why put yourself through the pain and frustration to learn a routine if all you get is a few minutes in hot spotlights, caked in stage make-up, and many late nights with tired teachers and dancers?

Every dancer will tell you, "It's worth it." All the misery seems insignificant compared to the feeling we get on stage. Not because people see us, but because we're dancing. We're performing. That is enough.

If ballerinas are so willing to work that hard for about five minutes of euphoria, how much more should Christians be willing to work and suffer for an eternity of pure joy in the presence of our Saviour.

Christianity isn't supposed to be easy. Just like in dance, you know it's going to be hard. We are told to take up our cross. Yep, no biggie. Just pick up a Roman torture device and carry it around all day. That sounds blissful, right?

Pointe shoes are French torture devices, but are completely worth it. Shouldn't carrying our cross be completely worth it too? There is no greater reward than following Jesus with all our hearts. Working everyday to glorify Him in everything we do. It is a lot of work. It can be miserable and frustrating, with tears and the desire to quit before giving it a fighting chance because it hurts.

When this life is over, and we are looking at our Saviour face to face, the pain will seem insignificant. When a ballerina is on stage, they aren't thinking about how much it hurt to learn the dance, or how much work went into it. They are enjoying every second, every step, and every breath of the dance. We will be in such pure bliss once we are in heaven, the pain of this life will seem insignificant.

So why do it? Why work so hard? Because it's worth it.