Hope....in Odd Places

So, we are at the 3 1/2 month mark here & still no job for my husband. Seems impossible!! What's even MORE impossible, is that we paid all our bills this month, once again, all on time. But it is possible. Its possible because God loves us! He loves us enough to bring miracles & blessings in our lives, every day. Maybe its something we have always received, but perhaps our comfort and trust in our own efforts did not allow us to really see what was in front of our faces. The truth is, He always cares for us. But the intensity to which it now shines right before our eyes takes my breath away. I have had the privilege of receiving work from people who are really in need. It is a complete "win/win" situation. I LOVE the fact that I can be a blessing to someone in need, whether its looking after their home & bills while out of the country, or cleaning a friend's newly built home, or babysitting a child who's parents have had some unexpected family issues to focus on. Its not just a job, you know? Its the wonderful gift of loving another. And sometimes, I even get paid. Not the reason I do it, mind you, but God knows my need as well, and I think I've made more money in the last 2-3 months then I ever did working in my last "real". Crazy huh? I then get the great privilege of being home pretty regularly for my teenage daugther, which Norm & I think is incredibly important. God is creative and lavish in His blessings...and in God's economy, its always a "win/win"! Its being blessed while being a blessing.

Life for my family remains to be challenging, frustrating, overwhelming...you name it. From our own financial concerns, to trying to help our daugther choose a college to attend in the fall while also trying to help out our son already in college. We also have some pretty serious family issues in our extended family as well as serious illnesses in the families of dear friends. It is the kind of stuff that can "rock your world", as the saying goes. But only if we let it. I'll admit it...some days, I do let it. But THANK GOD FOR GOD!! Because I know that I will not stay there. I know that I am not someone without hope. I am His child, and therefore, I always have hope for what's ahead. Its the basis of my faith, my foundation. So, when the storms of life come, and believe me, they do, we cower inside our 4 walls for a bit, but we know our foundation is strong. Our foundation is the living Saviour, Jesus Christ. He promises to never leave us, nor forsake us. So, even as life presents its challenges, sometimes new ones every day, I never feel He has left me or my family. We get knocked down sometimes, but we have the ability to get back on our feet, dust ourselves off, and continue on. He gives us a future. He gives us hope. This is our testimony. This is why we are followers of Christ. I can see how sometimes people turn to drugs, alcohol or contemplate suicide at times. These are people who face these harsh storms of life, but have no foundation. It makes me so sad! Because that's MY job to share with these people the hope that is their Saviour. That there is a way out. You see, He doesn't just belong to me. He died for ALL OF US. He has no favoritism, but wants to love & care for us all. All he asks is that we commit our hearts & souls to Him. Not a bad trade off, huh? Seems too easy. Actually, it is too easy...for us. But for Him, it cost Him His life. He endured ridicule, repeated beatings & and a horrific death in the form of crucifixion to insure that we all will have a place at His table one day. All we have to do is accept His gift, turn from our sin. Sweet deal huh? That's the love of our Lord.

He cares for me & my family each day of our lives. One day at a time is how we are living. But that's okay. Because I know that I will have all eternity to thank Him for the gift of life & for the love He brings to it. How do I describe God then? Miracles, life, hope, joy, strength, courage, forgiveness, patience, integrity, love....these are also the gifts that He has for us. I can live in these gifts every day of my life, no matter what the storms of life bring my way. That's the best gift of all.