Yesterday after I published the post about change, I went about my day with little thought of what could happen. OK...well maybe some thought. But in truth, I just have too much going on. "I'll think about it again when I have time in November," I thought. Or maybe when news becomes more concrete.
I am thankful I didn't spend a whole day obsessing about the "what ifs" because by day's end more change came in the nothing-is-changing kind of way.
Yesterday morning, My Love told me that the same people that had realized the importance of keeping him in his new job instead of moving him into a high profile exec position (on the roller coaster ride that happened two months ago) were now suggesting he go on a 15-month long unaccompanied remote tour starting this summer in Turkey. Hahahaha. Seriously Lord? My Love got a phone call returned from our friend who now lives in Germany again (hence the 6am phone ringing) yesterday morning answering questions about his family's positive experience living there.
The questions going through our minds were many. Does My Love go alone and the family stay here in this house we are about to buy? Do we all go with him on our own dollar with no military services for family members and few Americans in the area so we can be together? If a future remote tour is a guarantee with his current employer, is this the time and place to take it when the location is desirable? Is this the time to move into the civilian sector and accept a job locally that was pretty much offered at the same time this all came down? Why is the same leadership that fought to keep him in his job months ago now so willing to change their minds about the plans they just made for the next few years of his career? If he does end up going, what comes next when he returns stateside?
Sigh.
By the end of the day meetings were had without My Love present and once again he is staying right where he is for the next year or two.
Wasn't that a fun ride?
We can't help but think this has more to do with how we have been praying the past six months about My Love's future career direction and less about God wanting to take us on a roller coaster ride to remind us he is the Boss. We know and trust him as our Shepherd. The reminder doesn't seem necessary. But perhaps he is guiding us down another path that might lead us to a more permanent stay in this area. This was the first time a job was put on the table and the thought of "getting out" became a real (but difficult) possibility (for the day).
Who knows? Pray with us. Ultimately God does know and we are willing and able to follow him wherever he leads us.
Have a good day. 15 days until closing...
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
change is good
I came downstairs this morning and emptied the dishwasher first thing so I could load the rinsed dishes in the sink from last night. My Love was out on a run and was expected back soon. I talked with KB for a few minutes about all the logistical changes going on for us in the weeks to come. I grabbed my first cup of coffee and then sat down to open up my God Calling devotional. It wasn't long and My Love came in the door walking through some knee pain after putting in 12 miles before work. We chatted a little as he poured himself a cold drink. His work phone rang on the kitchen counter. Weird. It was 6am. My Love pushed the phone away from his face after a few sentences and then told me he was going outside to take a work call. OK.
I hopped online to quickly let our church family know that CS's water had broken and was expecting Baby L sometime today. God is good. Several minutes later My Love came back inside and I asked him what that was about. He filled his cold drink and then came in to the family room to sit on the couch (at a distance because he knows how much I love the smell of his sweat drenched running shirt. What? Too much? Sorry. I just want you feel like you were here with me in the moment.). He started telling me about his call with a friend of ours who lives in a different time zone and I started laughing. Isn't it so like God to remind us that he is the One in control? Are we serious about wanting to be wherever God wants us to be? I laughed some more. And yet complete peace in even more unknowns which are of course knowns to God.
We have been praying for several months about God's plan for My Love's career future. His timing is perfect. We just aren't always aware of what He is planning while we are busy planning something else.
One thing we know for sure. If more changes come it does not negate what we know God has called us to do in this next chapter. It just may not have as many pages in it as the chapter we are closing. More changes on the horizon for our family. We are praying that our Shepherd would continue to lead us to wherever he can best use us for his glory.
After a few thought-provoking questions for another pending career decision, we prayed together and then My Love went upstairs towash off the funk get ready for work.
I opened up my God Calling again and reread the words for today from a different perspective. Enjoy!
"Much that you both must accept in life is not to be accepted as being necessary for you personally, but accepted, as I accepted it, to set an example, to share in the sufferings and difficulties of mankind. In this "to share" means "to save."...Beloved, you are called to save and share in a very special way....But, dreary as that Path must look to those who view it only from afar, it has tender lights and restful shades that no other walk in life can give."
Amen! God bless your day as he already is ours.
UPDATE: OK, I realize now that perhaps this quoted passage might confuse you more than is necessary. My take away was that my life is not my own. God can use it however he wants. He has called me to share this journey here and if the only gain is that others are drawn closer to Christ then the bumpy road we are riding is completely worth it. No "dreary paths" coming that we are aware of. Change is good. Some might see it as chaos from afar but we are reminded that we are firmly in God's hands and it is a sweet and restful place to be. Is that better, Mom?
I hopped online to quickly let our church family know that CS's water had broken and was expecting Baby L sometime today. God is good. Several minutes later My Love came back inside and I asked him what that was about. He filled his cold drink and then came in to the family room to sit on the couch (at a distance because he knows how much I love the smell of his sweat drenched running shirt. What? Too much? Sorry. I just want you feel like you were here with me in the moment.). He started telling me about his call with a friend of ours who lives in a different time zone and I started laughing. Isn't it so like God to remind us that he is the One in control? Are we serious about wanting to be wherever God wants us to be? I laughed some more. And yet complete peace in even more unknowns which are of course knowns to God.
We have been praying for several months about God's plan for My Love's career future. His timing is perfect. We just aren't always aware of what He is planning while we are busy planning something else.
One thing we know for sure. If more changes come it does not negate what we know God has called us to do in this next chapter. It just may not have as many pages in it as the chapter we are closing. More changes on the horizon for our family. We are praying that our Shepherd would continue to lead us to wherever he can best use us for his glory.
After a few thought-provoking questions for another pending career decision, we prayed together and then My Love went upstairs to
I opened up my God Calling again and reread the words for today from a different perspective. Enjoy!
"Much that you both must accept in life is not to be accepted as being necessary for you personally, but accepted, as I accepted it, to set an example, to share in the sufferings and difficulties of mankind. In this "to share" means "to save."...Beloved, you are called to save and share in a very special way....But, dreary as that Path must look to those who view it only from afar, it has tender lights and restful shades that no other walk in life can give."
Amen! God bless your day as he already is ours.
UPDATE: OK, I realize now that perhaps this quoted passage might confuse you more than is necessary. My take away was that my life is not my own. God can use it however he wants. He has called me to share this journey here and if the only gain is that others are drawn closer to Christ then the bumpy road we are riding is completely worth it. No "dreary paths" coming that we are aware of. Change is good. Some might see it as chaos from afar but we are reminded that we are firmly in God's hands and it is a sweet and restful place to be. Is that better, Mom?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
rest, clean, serve, rest
God has been working here people. He has been busy peeling back each anxious layer of this experience and refusing to allow me to go there. I would never describe myself as an anxious person before but being out of control is kind of a new thing for me.
We are preparing to go on vacation soon. I fought the timing at first but am now excited about the excuse to get away. The kids really need it and God is showing me that even though I didn't want it, I need it too. Rest was the theme for my devotions entitled Come and Stay in God Calling on September 25th:
"Yes, come for rest. But stay for rest, too. Stop all feverish haste and be calm and untroubled. Come unto Me, not only for petitions to be granted but for nearness to Me. Be sure of My Help, be conscious of My Presence, and wait until My Rest fills your soul. Rest knows no fear. Rest knows no want. Rest is strong, sure. The rest of the soft glades and peacefully flowing rivers, of strong, immovable hills. Rest, and all you need to gain this rest is to come to Me. So come. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28"
Um...
OK Lord. I'll go. Rest.
God has also been busy using these last two months to show us more specifically what he is calling us to do in the next chapter of our lives. My Love and I are excited about all God is preparing and getting on the same page has been helpful.
On another note, I know I mentioned about a month ago that I was anxious about keeping the house presentable for potential renters. This idea does not come naturally to me--keeping the house clean. But with 75% of our belongings boxed up, clutter is at a minimum and I have rather enjoyed having a reason to make beds and pick up bathrooms before leaving the house each day. Who knew? Maintaining is easier that the occasional all day deep clean before guests come. So something that I thought was going to be stressful has actually turned into a good lesson in keeping my house. Having a house guest around has been a good motivator too. My biggest take away has been that if we want our (future new) house to be 100% available to God to be used 100% of the time I kind of have to keep it a little more presentable. God is growing a desire in me to want to do that and I am thankful.
Back to God's plan for us next... It seemed pretty clear when I read Serve All in God Calling on September 26th.
"Yes! remember to serve all. Be ready to prove your Sonship by service. Look on all you meet as guests in you Father's House, to be treated with Love, with all consideration, with gentleness. As a servant of all think no work beneath you. Be ever ready to do all you can for others. Serve. Serve. Serve. There is a gladness in service, a Joy in doing My Will for others, in being My expression of all good for them. Remember that, when you serve others, you are acting for your Master and Lord who washed His disciples' feet. So, in service for others, express your Love for Me."
That reading was the perfect repetition to our Home Fellowship lesson the night before from Matthew 6:1-4. This next season will not be about us. God wants to use us to bless others so He can get the glory. Pray for us. Being 100% available means learning to trust God to provide 100% of the resources necessary to meet the needs of others. We are learning to pray very specifically.
Generally about this time before a move I scurry about trying to connect with everyone we know and love one more time. Dinner plans here. Play dates there. God has pretty much completely prevented that from happening with anyone. Life is going on like normal as if we aren't moving in three weeks at all. I have struggled some with feeling sad that others aren't trying to reach out to us and then at the same time trusting that God DOES NOT want us to participate in long drawn out goodbyes. We aren't really leaving. I mean, yes we are moving out of this house, this neighborhood and will be finding a new church fellowship, but our relationships here will be maintained. We will be at church here for one more official Sunday while living here, but it is by no means goodbye. God is not removing us from our existing friendships in this area. He is just relocating us an hour south (in no traffic). In some ways, I think we will see certain friends more often. Pray for us. Brother's Sunday School Teaching Assistant almost broke into tears when she realized a couple days ago that we were leaving so soon. Even though I know it is not goodbye, I will probably be emotional as we close the door here. I am thankful that God has big plans for our future and that by his grace he is leaving the door we are walking through slightly ajar.
Just a few more days and we will be taking off for some much needed time away with family. The Wups is staying with the same family of 14 that he was with last summer when we visited the west coast. I think he needs a vacation too. Lots of hands over there to love on him. Not likely he will be getting rest though ;) which is fine because he sleeps enough all ready. What he needs right now is extra love. God is good. My Love's parents haven't seen the kids in over a year. It has been far too long. And to my surprise, there are no plans being made for our time together. Rest. Yes. That sounds good right about now. Thanks for the prayers. We feel them.
We are preparing to go on vacation soon. I fought the timing at first but am now excited about the excuse to get away. The kids really need it and God is showing me that even though I didn't want it, I need it too. Rest was the theme for my devotions entitled Come and Stay in God Calling on September 25th:
"Yes, come for rest. But stay for rest, too. Stop all feverish haste and be calm and untroubled. Come unto Me, not only for petitions to be granted but for nearness to Me. Be sure of My Help, be conscious of My Presence, and wait until My Rest fills your soul. Rest knows no fear. Rest knows no want. Rest is strong, sure. The rest of the soft glades and peacefully flowing rivers, of strong, immovable hills. Rest, and all you need to gain this rest is to come to Me. So come. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28"
Um...
OK Lord. I'll go. Rest.
God has also been busy using these last two months to show us more specifically what he is calling us to do in the next chapter of our lives. My Love and I are excited about all God is preparing and getting on the same page has been helpful.
On another note, I know I mentioned about a month ago that I was anxious about keeping the house presentable for potential renters. This idea does not come naturally to me--keeping the house clean. But with 75% of our belongings boxed up, clutter is at a minimum and I have rather enjoyed having a reason to make beds and pick up bathrooms before leaving the house each day. Who knew? Maintaining is easier that the occasional all day deep clean before guests come. So something that I thought was going to be stressful has actually turned into a good lesson in keeping my house. Having a house guest around has been a good motivator too. My biggest take away has been that if we want our (future new) house to be 100% available to God to be used 100% of the time I kind of have to keep it a little more presentable. God is growing a desire in me to want to do that and I am thankful.
Back to God's plan for us next... It seemed pretty clear when I read Serve All in God Calling on September 26th.
"Yes! remember to serve all. Be ready to prove your Sonship by service. Look on all you meet as guests in you Father's House, to be treated with Love, with all consideration, with gentleness. As a servant of all think no work beneath you. Be ever ready to do all you can for others. Serve. Serve. Serve. There is a gladness in service, a Joy in doing My Will for others, in being My expression of all good for them. Remember that, when you serve others, you are acting for your Master and Lord who washed His disciples' feet. So, in service for others, express your Love for Me."
That reading was the perfect repetition to our Home Fellowship lesson the night before from Matthew 6:1-4. This next season will not be about us. God wants to use us to bless others so He can get the glory. Pray for us. Being 100% available means learning to trust God to provide 100% of the resources necessary to meet the needs of others. We are learning to pray very specifically.
Generally about this time before a move I scurry about trying to connect with everyone we know and love one more time. Dinner plans here. Play dates there. God has pretty much completely prevented that from happening with anyone. Life is going on like normal as if we aren't moving in three weeks at all. I have struggled some with feeling sad that others aren't trying to reach out to us and then at the same time trusting that God DOES NOT want us to participate in long drawn out goodbyes. We aren't really leaving. I mean, yes we are moving out of this house, this neighborhood and will be finding a new church fellowship, but our relationships here will be maintained. We will be at church here for one more official Sunday while living here, but it is by no means goodbye. God is not removing us from our existing friendships in this area. He is just relocating us an hour south (in no traffic). In some ways, I think we will see certain friends more often. Pray for us. Brother's Sunday School Teaching Assistant almost broke into tears when she realized a couple days ago that we were leaving so soon. Even though I know it is not goodbye, I will probably be emotional as we close the door here. I am thankful that God has big plans for our future and that by his grace he is leaving the door we are walking through slightly ajar.
Just a few more days and we will be taking off for some much needed time away with family. The Wups is staying with the same family of 14 that he was with last summer when we visited the west coast. I think he needs a vacation too. Lots of hands over there to love on him. Not likely he will be getting rest though ;) which is fine because he sleeps enough all ready. What he needs right now is extra love. God is good. My Love's parents haven't seen the kids in over a year. It has been far too long. And to my surprise, there are no plans being made for our time together. Rest. Yes. That sounds good right about now. Thanks for the prayers. We feel them.
Monday, September 26, 2011
believe God
A few weeks ago I read this passage in Acts and it really stuck out to me. I'll start in verse 23 of chapter 27 for context:
"For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.' So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island."
Huh?
I don't know about you but when I think of the words 'goodness' and 'safety' I don't automatically think of standing trial before Caesar and getting shipwrecked. God promised Paul that he would survive the tumultuous journey he was sailing on, everyone would make it through the storms and he would arrive at his destination. Paul believed God because he KNEW God. Oh and by the way you will be shipwrecked.
When I think of promises of goodness and safety, I envision calm waters and peaceful roads not violent storms and a smashed ship.
But isn't that only describing the circumstances of life and not the character of our Lord? He IS calm and peaceful no matter our circumstances. We find rest in Him alone.
Acts 27:20 says, "The terrible storm raged unabated for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone." Verses 18 and 19 in the same chapter tells of how the crew started throwing cargo and the ship's equipment overboard. Verse 21 says, "No one had eaten for a long time."
And yet Paul believed God. He relied on His promises and found peace in the storm.
I have two feet on dry ground today. My cargo is boxed up in towering boxes all around me. I am getting ready to eat breakfast when I am done posting this. I saw the sun peek through the clouds just yesterday and expect it to make a return appearance today. My hope is not gone.
Today I choose to keep my eyes on Jesus. Not because I can find peace in knowing my circumstances are no where near as bad as Paul's were. He was living through a real storm and was promised a future that included being shipwrecked. No, my peace is in Jesus today because I KNOW the same God. I believe Him and his promises no matter my circumstances today or what is coming in my future.
I went to a few churches that sang hymns as a child. As an adult I have come to appreciate the words from those old songs so much more. The first few lines of the song below came to mind as I close here. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ, my righteousness." When I looked up the rest of the lyrics, it was even sweeter. Enjoy!
"For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.' So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island."
Huh?
I don't know about you but when I think of the words 'goodness' and 'safety' I don't automatically think of standing trial before Caesar and getting shipwrecked. God promised Paul that he would survive the tumultuous journey he was sailing on, everyone would make it through the storms and he would arrive at his destination. Paul believed God because he KNEW God. Oh and by the way you will be shipwrecked.
When I think of promises of goodness and safety, I envision calm waters and peaceful roads not violent storms and a smashed ship.
But isn't that only describing the circumstances of life and not the character of our Lord? He IS calm and peaceful no matter our circumstances. We find rest in Him alone.
Acts 27:20 says, "The terrible storm raged unabated for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone." Verses 18 and 19 in the same chapter tells of how the crew started throwing cargo and the ship's equipment overboard. Verse 21 says, "No one had eaten for a long time."
And yet Paul believed God. He relied on His promises and found peace in the storm.
I have two feet on dry ground today. My cargo is boxed up in towering boxes all around me. I am getting ready to eat breakfast when I am done posting this. I saw the sun peek through the clouds just yesterday and expect it to make a return appearance today. My hope is not gone.
Today I choose to keep my eyes on Jesus. Not because I can find peace in knowing my circumstances are no where near as bad as Paul's were. He was living through a real storm and was promised a future that included being shipwrecked. No, my peace is in Jesus today because I KNOW the same God. I believe Him and his promises no matter my circumstances today or what is coming in my future.
I went to a few churches that sang hymns as a child. As an adult I have come to appreciate the words from those old songs so much more. The first few lines of the song below came to mind as I close here. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ, my righteousness." When I looked up the rest of the lyrics, it was even sweeter. Enjoy!
- My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name. - On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand. - When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil. - His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay. - When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
In Him, my righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Friday, September 23, 2011
boy next door
Just a quick note. It has been a long 24 hours and I have no idea what the next will bring. Bundle Brother was up with the scariest hacking cough that he has ever had. Labored breathing and choking up mucus. Poor guy was completely out of it. I was up every two hours sitting with him on the edge of our house guest's bath tub wrapped in the shower curtain taking in the steam of the rushing water. I remembered doing this with him a few years ago when he had croup. He covers more of the length of my body when he sits on my lap now.
Today I was hit with what he has and have been dragging most of the day. Although I am thankful the kids are healthy (Brother is still coughing but has normal energy), I do wish they wanted to nap all day like I do. We did have a late afternoon quiet hour in addition to nap which helped.
I am writing here though to share that as I sit here annoyed that I have had to work every sick day of my life (I even tried to go to school sick as a kid) and My Love isn't going to be home until late, God has been busy working.
My Love got off of work a little early and went down to see the house progress. Closing date is set for 14 October now with a walk through on the 10th. His intent was to check out all that they have done in the last few weeks and then head over to the local Lowes to put in the order for our blinds. How can I possibly be annoyed with a guy who works hard at his job every day to the glory of God and then drives further south at the end of a long week to do more work at our house to serve his family? I love that guy. I know he would rather be home. Anyway, just as the ibuprofen was starting to kick in (because I can tell you right now the generic sudafed wasn't doing anything for me), My Love called to give me an update. I was not in the mood for a long explanation and the kids were asking to eat. I listened quietly anyway and then a bit of unexpected news came through the phone. While at our new place, My Love walked next door to our neighbor's house (who just moved in too) and introduced himself. The family has four boys (ages 4-16). The youngest came to the door and asked My Love if our son could come play with him. His mom described him as being very similar to Bundle Boy. Praise God! Had my head and face and body not been aching, I might have cried. One of my biggest worries about this transition has been for our son. That he would adjust well to the move and that we could get him plugged in with kids in the neighborhood quickly. God did us even better. He planted a boy his age right next door. Have I said I feel blessed yet? Well I do. Even though I have been up all night and all I want to do is crawl into bed as my day job has still not ended. God's grace like rain is falling all over me today. And what do you know...it is still raining outside too.
Thank you for your prayers. Keep praying.
Today I was hit with what he has and have been dragging most of the day. Although I am thankful the kids are healthy (Brother is still coughing but has normal energy), I do wish they wanted to nap all day like I do. We did have a late afternoon quiet hour in addition to nap which helped.
I am writing here though to share that as I sit here annoyed that I have had to work every sick day of my life (I even tried to go to school sick as a kid) and My Love isn't going to be home until late, God has been busy working.
My Love got off of work a little early and went down to see the house progress. Closing date is set for 14 October now with a walk through on the 10th. His intent was to check out all that they have done in the last few weeks and then head over to the local Lowes to put in the order for our blinds. How can I possibly be annoyed with a guy who works hard at his job every day to the glory of God and then drives further south at the end of a long week to do more work at our house to serve his family? I love that guy. I know he would rather be home. Anyway, just as the ibuprofen was starting to kick in (because I can tell you right now the generic sudafed wasn't doing anything for me), My Love called to give me an update. I was not in the mood for a long explanation and the kids were asking to eat. I listened quietly anyway and then a bit of unexpected news came through the phone. While at our new place, My Love walked next door to our neighbor's house (who just moved in too) and introduced himself. The family has four boys (ages 4-16). The youngest came to the door and asked My Love if our son could come play with him. His mom described him as being very similar to Bundle Boy. Praise God! Had my head and face and body not been aching, I might have cried. One of my biggest worries about this transition has been for our son. That he would adjust well to the move and that we could get him plugged in with kids in the neighborhood quickly. God did us even better. He planted a boy his age right next door. Have I said I feel blessed yet? Well I do. Even though I have been up all night and all I want to do is crawl into bed as my day job has still not ended. God's grace like rain is falling all over me today. And what do you know...it is still raining outside too.
Thank you for your prayers. Keep praying.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
marbles
When Grammie was here visiting this year, she bought Bundle Brother a small bag of marbles. It didn't take long before she wondered if that was the best idea. He is three years old after all. For some reason, my kids love little treasures and have never lingered too long in the phase of putting things in their mouths. Even Babydoll likes to tote around the "balls".
While packing, I stumbled upon an old bag of marbles from my childhood that I undoubtedly stole from an older sister. They were still being stored in that bright purple cloth bag ;). You know the one, girls. Anyway, I took them out and added them to Brother's growing collection. There are days when they are kept at arm's length and loaded up in all kinds of different trucks and purses and size 4 Babydoll boots. They are cherished.
The thing with little marbles is they roll. Well, duh. But if one happens to slip out of the grip of an unsuspecting child, it rolls away. Consider the mayhem when all the marbles go spilling from a tilted open purse. Your eye can't even follow which direction they are spinning. Of course you don't know how many you are looking for either. You scoop up the ones in plain view and are able to restore peace to the moment. For now.
Over the next day or two you randomly see a marble here and there. One sitting lonely against a wall. Another at the bottom of a car bucket. A swipe of an exposed dog hair ball from under the bookshelf unearths yet another rolling glass marble that you didn't even know was missing.
Last night My Love took the kids upstairs to give them a bath and I got busy vacuuming and mopping the downstairs. It is so much easier to knock that job out when I don't have little people to hustle out of the way (and who walk on wet floors right after I finish mopping).
Before I aimlessly poked the vacuum extension underneath things, I took an intentional look at what was hidden there first. Little toys have a habit of getting lost under couches and desks. Through this process of crouching down and opening closets and picking up rugs I found marble after marble. One here. One there. One more to add to the bag-o-marbles already full to capacity. Who even knew we had so many? I mean, the kids are completely content playing with the ones they know about. They are thankful. Of course they both prefer the few large ones and a couple of the really colorful little ones, but the rest seemed like innumerable gifts. Too many to count and yet not noticeably different from one another.
So last night, I "counted". Not in the literal sense. But every time I found a marble in the most random of places while cleaning, I thanked the Lord for yet another unexpected gift. A treasure in fact among hair balls and toy clutter.
And yet isn't that our every day lives? We treasure the big noticeable gifts (ie. healthy family, happy kids, jobs that provide, a roof over our heads...) and don't even see so many we overlook or take for granted (ie. a thoughtful word from your son to his sister, a break in the storm clouds, spilled milk, pee on the bathroom wall...). But there they are hidden in back corners waiting to be discovered and counted when intentionally looking for them.
Babydoll's little bag is full of marbles today. Some added in the night while I vacuumed that she didn't even know she was missing.
Thank you Lord for marbles. The big ones, the colorful ones,and the plain hidden ones found only when crouched down hunting for them.
While packing, I stumbled upon an old bag of marbles from my childhood that I undoubtedly stole from an older sister. They were still being stored in that bright purple cloth bag ;). You know the one, girls. Anyway, I took them out and added them to Brother's growing collection. There are days when they are kept at arm's length and loaded up in all kinds of different trucks and purses and size 4 Babydoll boots. They are cherished.
The thing with little marbles is they roll. Well, duh. But if one happens to slip out of the grip of an unsuspecting child, it rolls away. Consider the mayhem when all the marbles go spilling from a tilted open purse. Your eye can't even follow which direction they are spinning. Of course you don't know how many you are looking for either. You scoop up the ones in plain view and are able to restore peace to the moment. For now.
Over the next day or two you randomly see a marble here and there. One sitting lonely against a wall. Another at the bottom of a car bucket. A swipe of an exposed dog hair ball from under the bookshelf unearths yet another rolling glass marble that you didn't even know was missing.
Last night My Love took the kids upstairs to give them a bath and I got busy vacuuming and mopping the downstairs. It is so much easier to knock that job out when I don't have little people to hustle out of the way (and who walk on wet floors right after I finish mopping).
Before I aimlessly poked the vacuum extension underneath things, I took an intentional look at what was hidden there first. Little toys have a habit of getting lost under couches and desks. Through this process of crouching down and opening closets and picking up rugs I found marble after marble. One here. One there. One more to add to the bag-o-marbles already full to capacity. Who even knew we had so many? I mean, the kids are completely content playing with the ones they know about. They are thankful. Of course they both prefer the few large ones and a couple of the really colorful little ones, but the rest seemed like innumerable gifts. Too many to count and yet not noticeably different from one another.
So last night, I "counted". Not in the literal sense. But every time I found a marble in the most random of places while cleaning, I thanked the Lord for yet another unexpected gift. A treasure in fact among hair balls and toy clutter.
And yet isn't that our every day lives? We treasure the big noticeable gifts (ie. healthy family, happy kids, jobs that provide, a roof over our heads...) and don't even see so many we overlook or take for granted (ie. a thoughtful word from your son to his sister, a break in the storm clouds, spilled milk, pee on the bathroom wall...). But there they are hidden in back corners waiting to be discovered and counted when intentionally looking for them.
Babydoll's little bag is full of marbles today. Some added in the night while I vacuumed that she didn't even know she was missing.
Thank you Lord for marbles. The big ones, the colorful ones,and the plain hidden ones found only when crouched down hunting for them.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
counted on one hand
Life is hitting us with a dose of reality right now. We sat through an emotional service on Sunday as our Senior Pastor announced that they were starting their own time of transition. I realized in that moment that the number of Sundays left before we move can be counted on one hand. How does time slip by so quickly?
If I hadn't run out of tape I would have been packing more boxes this morning but perhaps a day off is in order. In a week and a half we will be vacationing in Tennessee with the in-laws and will then return home to crunch time. My Love and I stayed up for awhile last night talking about moving day logistics. Right now we are praying that our closing date remains accurate and that we will have plenty of time to get settled and cleaned out of our rental home before friends come into town from three far away states for the marathon. My Love is taking a week off of work to get some work done around the property (ie. blinds installed, washer and dryer delivered, maybe get fence built, blah...blah...blah). I am excited to get our stuff put into their permanent places and begin making this new house our home. One thing at a time though.
Only two families have come through to view our current property for rent. The boxes are starting to take over the aesthetic view of the space. It is hard to admit that we will no longer be hosting friends here in this house. I am getting that anxious feeling about wanting to connect with everyone we know and love at least one more time while we live this close. I am not sure how that is going to happen. Perhaps some will be willing to come down to our new home once we are settled. We are thankful that many of our close relationships here will be able to maintained. God is good.
On another note, it has become clear that God is preparing us to find a new fellowship in our new community. We are praying for that person or family that already has a need in another church that God wants to meet with what he has blessed us with. It makes the very act of relocating more difficult though--knowing that this season with this Body of Christ is coming to an end.
We are eager to be where God wants us to be but it doesn't make the leaving any easier. Pray for us. He will continue to be faithful and lead us. We are trusting the sound of our Shepherd's voice as we follow him into unseen green pastures.
If I hadn't run out of tape I would have been packing more boxes this morning but perhaps a day off is in order. In a week and a half we will be vacationing in Tennessee with the in-laws and will then return home to crunch time. My Love and I stayed up for awhile last night talking about moving day logistics. Right now we are praying that our closing date remains accurate and that we will have plenty of time to get settled and cleaned out of our rental home before friends come into town from three far away states for the marathon. My Love is taking a week off of work to get some work done around the property (ie. blinds installed, washer and dryer delivered, maybe get fence built, blah...blah...blah). I am excited to get our stuff put into their permanent places and begin making this new house our home. One thing at a time though.
Only two families have come through to view our current property for rent. The boxes are starting to take over the aesthetic view of the space. It is hard to admit that we will no longer be hosting friends here in this house. I am getting that anxious feeling about wanting to connect with everyone we know and love at least one more time while we live this close. I am not sure how that is going to happen. Perhaps some will be willing to come down to our new home once we are settled. We are thankful that many of our close relationships here will be able to maintained. God is good.
On another note, it has become clear that God is preparing us to find a new fellowship in our new community. We are praying for that person or family that already has a need in another church that God wants to meet with what he has blessed us with. It makes the very act of relocating more difficult though--knowing that this season with this Body of Christ is coming to an end.
We are eager to be where God wants us to be but it doesn't make the leaving any easier. Pray for us. He will continue to be faithful and lead us. We are trusting the sound of our Shepherd's voice as we follow him into unseen green pastures.
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