When things seem too good to be true, they usually are.

Some people come into your life to shed light; some bring darkness and steal your joy. Then, some are sort of indescribable because they are unlike anyone you have ever met. The latter kinds appear to be gifts and essential to hang onto because it is with them, you can be your true self, sharing your beliefs and all the things you had only wished you could tell other people. It almost seems unbelievable talking with these people because you can speak so freely you are waiting for them to disappear. However, they seem to stick around for whatever reason, and you never have to explain yourself because they just ‘get you’.

These types of people are rare, for they are the sunshine to your cloudy days. They are genuine answered prayers that took years of refining to find because you would not have met them if you were not shaped into the person able to meet them.

However, meeting these special people is the exact time of your life that you realize you are not insane, for there are other human beings with the same thought patterns as you. While you have spent your entire life defending your viewpoints and beliefs, suddenly do not have to argue or defend yourself every five minutes and are equally refreshed and confused. How would God deliver you and shape you for so long without EVENTUALLY providing like-minded people along the way? In the meantime, you form some friendships and relationships along your journey only to not quite completely fit in because you are not conformed to the things of this world anymore.

Now, you’re labeled “rebellious”, “weird”, an “outcast”, “stubborn”…

Meeting the people with your new mindset only confirms your own thoughts, creating a low tolerance for anything else. You’re suddenly validated and KNOW that you can speak up and speak freely with no fear because there are other rebellious weirdos out there.

What’s the point of this?

I’m not completely sure, but God has recently brought a gift into my life while simultaneously and unexpectedly ending another season elsewhere. I feel completely blindsided and devastated at the sudden potential loss; however, I have peace (that surpasses understanding!) over the situation, knowing God is in control of every aspect of my life. He wants what is best for me, including who belongs in my life and who does not.

When realizing the timing of it all and thinking, “where did this person come from??” I thought God possibly put this new person in my life to be my friend through this other change… and they are a champion at it.

What started it? They asked me how I handled certain things in my life as a Christian. Little did I know God would give them an example in real time and they stuck with me through various meltdowns (what the heck???). You’re welcome, I guess… Insert cringe face emoji here…

All of this to say, my friend had mentioned always wanting a zebra as a pet. Who am I to question their desires because I’ve asked God for turkeys… but, anyway…

While they lived on the road for work, God was changing their heart. They were in an isolated season when suddenly, seasons changed, and they quit their job to move back home. I felt so honored getting to watch God working in their life as they navigate this new season. Meanwhile, I suddenly have this new loss in my life, causing me to want to spiral out of control. Knowing God knows what is best is still difficult to live through sometimes because there are some things you just never expected to lose. I have been trying to figure out the sudden tornado in my life and having a few highly emotional days. Yesterday, I got a voice text with the British-English pronunciation with a photo that stated that while visiting a great-uncle cleaning out their house, they were gifted a porcelain zebra.

And that is how God turned my day around, changed my life, and showed me an example that He is still in control.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart….”

I am not sure if I am too excited over porcelain, but I probably am over this random present, knowing God gave them.

“Welcome home! Here’s a zebra…” – God

He supplies our every need according to His riches in glory. He knows every hair on our heads…