Tired. That’s how I feel after the last month we’ve lived. And as I sit here staring at a blank screen I think to myself, “Hmmmm. A nap sounds better than writing.”
So today, I will be brief. Again, as I said, I’m tired. Trying to breathe and be, instead of produce and do. Just for a while. I must.
But I have had a bit more time to be quiet and pray (thank goodness) now that the demands aren’t pressing in like the walls in a movie scene. And I am processing all we’ve done and experienced in these last days. So in case you’re wondering, here’s some lessons I’m still learning in the wake of the storm.
photo courtesy of sxc.hu by @Kim49
We walked through a death of a dear friend’s son, traveled to the funeral and tried to practice the ministry of presence in the short time we had. It’s far from over, their grief, or our own. But we will continue to walk beside and cherish the opportunity to be part of the Body of Christ who steps in when there is need. I continue to learn and receive confirmation of this:
Lesson: It’s not our job to fix, it’s our job to be present, and love in whatever way we’re called. (Col 3:14)
We had a phenomenal Homecoming week with our Senior son, including a very special Coronation Celebration. We served on the planning committee for this event, and it was a tremendous amount of work. In the end, our human efforts were magnified by God’s goodness and served as the backdrop for the Lord’s glory to shine through 127 kids whose faith stories and testimonies blew us away!
Lesson: It’s our job to do what we do, no matter how difficult, with great joy and our best effort. (Col 3:23) (I admittedly struggled in this department most of this project!)
We had a crisis within an organization we serve and we had to trust God’s perfect timing and plan amidst a stormy situation. There were moments I doubted myself, and questioned if I had what it took to stand firm in my decision in the face of adversity. But I have a husband who continually reminds me:
Lesson: It’s not always easy to do what’s right, but doing what’s right is always best.
There are many times we think our own human effort is not enough to sustain us in trials – especially repeated trials. And it isn’t! That’s precisely when we learn that God will be there with us as he promised. He will demonstrate his power in our weakness, (2 Cor 12:9) and he will uphold us with his powerful right hand. (Is. 41:10-13)
Lesson: It’s always better to rest in the power of God’s ability, not our own.
This last month is one for the record books. What we’ve accomplished, endured and witnessed will change us. And we know that the refiner’s fire is hot, but it’s also designed to make something beautiful. And for that I’m thankful.
Now…I’m going to have that nap.