When Things Are Hard

It really does feel like life moves in waves...

I told you about this.

Well, our basement had no damage from the flood. Everything dried out and is back to normal.

AND the Lord provided the money to get our transmission fixed! I mean, almost to the penny, paid for. Cash. Amazing!!

Well, the week after that I was sick. Not horribly sick, but the kind of sick that made me achy and really grouchy and want to be in bed all the time.

And we have some illnesses going on in our extended family that rise and fall. Anyone who's had illness in a close relative knows that some days are good and some days are really, really bad.

Then, when we were leaving Elitch's last week, Paige fell in the parking lot and broke her collar bone. She is really tough and has had almost no pain! But, I spent a few days on the phone trying to find the best route of care for her. We are going to see a specialist today to make sure we're on the right path.

And this is all happening as we're trying to get ready for school (4 kids starting school = lots of errands, money and brain work). I'm running my own business. Brad is gearing up for the start of the fall semester with choir and the New Life School of Worship.

These aren't all horrible things. They're just making my heart a little heavy.

I don't ever want to sound like I'm complaining. We are SO blessed. I am well aware that our little circumstances, in the grand scheme of things, would seem small to many. But, this is my little corner of the world and I have always said that I would be open and honest on this blog.

So, yea, we're bobbing in the waters. Some days we're able to restfully float on the surface. These last couple of weeks it's felt like we come up for air just in time for another wave.

My point is that I will not be moved.

I will keep my focus.

I feel God near.

I know He hears my prayers.

I also know that He will teach me and strengthen me.

I will come out on the other side...

wiser...

more faith-filled...

more equipped for the call He has on my life.

I will embrace the hard times because I know, from experience, that great fruit comes from hard labor mixed with good soil. I will stand on my firm foundation and allow the pruning and picking to take place.

"In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in Your righteousness.
Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
Since You are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me."

Psalm 31:1-3