Many reflective souls, especially in today’s culture it seems, have asked themselves the question, “What have I done with my life?”  Those same individuals may at another point in their lives utter, “I never in a million years would have imagined myself here.”

Time is a funny thing; it can be seen as a friend or a foe, or sometimes both.  Although we sometimes wish differently, the VCR of life has no fast forward or rewind button; it is invariably stuck on play.  Hopefully, the song “Only Just Begun” can serve as a reminder that as a child of God, your life has meaning, regardless of whether or not you are enamored by what you’re doing this very minute.  Every string of events leads to another string of events, and through it all, we must remember that all of these stepping stones are integral in making us who we are today, in this very moment.  So soak it in and remember that God is just getting started on you, working everything out for your good and more importantly for His glory.  Be confident as Paul is in Phillipians 1:6: “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

“The Fall” grew out of a time in my life that was a constant trial for me, both physically and emotionally. Out of the fog of pain and struggle, there was a blessed moment of clearing when the words of this song poured out of me, almost in desperation. I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in my life and saw purpose in what I continued to face, even after this song was written. God drew me to Himself in a powerful way, and refined me, tested me, strengthened me. I was reminded of the fact that even through the inconsistencies of life, God is constant. Anything worth having is worth the struggle. And God’s promise is true and good: if we fall down on our knees and humble ourselves in His sight, He will lift us up. I am so thankful to God that this time of struggle did not last forever, that my mourning was turned to laughter, and I was able to appreciate simple things more than ever. But I know that there will be other struggles. I pray that in those times, I will remember that being lifted up anew in Christ Jesus is really worth the fall.

I wrote this song for someone I am very close to who does not know the hope that Christ offers through His immeasurable grace. This fact burdens my heart to no end, yet pushes me to share the hope I know and experience daily. What makes God’s grace so beautiful? It is saving, compelling, changing, unconditional. So what does this mean in a believer’s life? It means joy, hope, love, life. It means a reuniting with one’s Creator, a return home. It also means a responsibility to pass this grace along, not out of duty but out of love for one’s Savior and thankfulness for the mercy given through Jesus. Most live their lives hoping that in the end, when they are knocking on death’s door, they can look back and see a full life behind them. But through God’s mercy extended to us by sending His son for the sacrifice of all who would believe, not only will our lives be full of the joy, fulfillment and purpose that knowing Christ brings, but it will not be a thing of the past, even when we leave this life. Praise God for His beautiful grace!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10