It’s a question I heard over the weekend that’s been sitting with me for a few days now, and while I know the answer in my heart (more on that in a bit), it also has prompted a greater examination and review of my life.

Am I living well?

Am I making a difference?

Am I who God wants me to be?

The question was initially presented to one of my best friends as we sat at brunch together on her 40th birthday. I had slipped away to Phoenix for a few days to be with her and the weekend was spent celebrating the past decade of life as she prepared to usher in a new one.

There’s something about entering into a new decade of life that causes you to appreciate all you have walked through as you also look forward to what lies ahead. By looking back, you can also see the way God has shown up time and time again and trust that He will continue to be faithful.

On the drive back to California, I listened to the first message in the new sermon series in which Pastor Aaron shared about Elohim, God the Creator, and I was reflected on the ways He has been this in my life.

As I looked out the windows on the drive, I enjoyed the beautiful mountain ranges of Arizona, the vast desert landscape, and the unique and diverse cacti – just a small sampling of the beauty He has made in our world. God the Creator.

“In the beginning Elohim created heaven and earth.” Genesis 1:1

I continued driving and counted down the minutes until I could get back to the four beautiful and amazing children that God had created and knit in my body, each one distinctly planned and loved by Him. God the Creator.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14

I thought back on the years of friendship with the girls I had just spent the weekend with. They were sacred college friends who had shown me many years ago what it looked like to have an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus; what it meant to be in Christ and live a new life! God the Creator.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I too find myself on the brink of entering a new decade, and as the years go by, I savor and appreciate each one even more. Knowing that Elohim, God the Creator, has a call and a purpose for my life gives me peace for all that is to come. I know there will be sorrow. I am sure there will be heartache. In a few short months, I enter the teen years with my oldest, so there will likely be a little bit of turmoil…

What lies ahead on my drive might feel blurry through the front window, but the clarity in which I can see God’s faithfulness in my rear view window will help me to trust that He is in control. He’s still got me.

“You remain faithful in every generation, and the earth you created will keep standing firm.” Psalm 119:90

So my greatest accomplishment from the past decade? My dependence on God has grown stronger as I have laid down more of my self: for my children, my husband, and those around me. May He continue to use me to accomplish His work here on earth.

Elohim, let it be so.

By: Stacey Mensik

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