My biggest fear, even now, is that I will hear Jesusʻ words and walk away, content to settle for less than radical obedience to him.  - @jassetiva  [pc: @heenz]
I follow Jasset on Instagram -- this beautiful beachy bondi girl, so full of life and love for Jesus.  And she isnĘ»t afraid to show it.  Bold & thoughtful statements grace her page constantly, and I am inspired by her connection to the One who gives this young woman her strength. Â
Like Jasset says, our greatest fear should be of conscious disobedience. I feel that as humans, one of our biggest struggles is that we are constantly teetering along the lines of knowing and awareness.  We know things, but are we constantly aware of them? The impact of awareness is immediate, it’s now, it’s present and currently affecting.  When we are aware, all that we do is encompassed by this current state of mind.  We know our lives are precious, delicate gifts from God, not to be taken for granted.  We know this, but do we stay mindfully aware of His power -- to give us life, and to take it away in an instant?Â
On May 1st, my awareness was ignited.  Gabe and Travis’ lives were spared, but Ryan’s was not.  Amidst the waves and currents, Ryan could not withstand it’s power.  I pray that on that day, Jesus scooped Ryan up in his arms and carried him to his kingdom.  I pray that as his family and friends bury him today, I remember God’s power, and understand that Ryan was called to be with Him.  It was his time.  Not by our will, but your will, Lord. Â
Ryan’s sacrifice will always be my constant reminder to be aware of God’s tangible presence.  When we know something, it is natural to just file it away in the back of our minds - drawing upon it only when it is convenient, needed, or useful.  To have knowledge of God is crucial, but do we also value is constant presence in our lives?  From May 1st, I strive for this awareness -- all the time -- for the immediate, current, constant impact Jesus has every minute of every day. Â
This is what He wants for us.  To be known, to be present, to be with us.  He created us to enjoy our daily adventures. To talk to us, to mentor us, to teach us, to guide us like every loving parent does to their child.  Job said “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away.  Praise the name of the Lord.”  Know Him, so that you may be aware of Him.  Walk with Him, talk with Him, and he will lead you everlasting.Â
Rest in paradise, Ryan.  For those that knew you -- a little or a lot -- you made a difference.  Thank you Lord for Ryan’s life, for though it was too short, we will remember him, and lift him up to you. Â
