Today was a stay-at-home day. As the kids jumped on the trampoline, ripsticked, rode bikes, shot each other with Nerf bullets, played Apples to Apples Jr., watched Spider-Man, ate popcorn, and played on various instruments, I hit the closets and remained submerged in their depths for hours.
Many have been kind and generous to share hand-me-downs with us. In the process of trying things on to see what fits whom, there have been massive piles made and stuffed into the closets for months. Today was decluttering day. I found about 30 lonely socks with no mates and have bagged them to use in our next "let's dust this place" campaign....which doesn't happen that often.
Mimi came over to cut Laurel's hair and stayed for dinner. We ate a tuna noodle casserole that my sweet sister-in-law had put in the freezer while we were away in Latvia. As I watch my Mom's fingers cut my daughter's hair, and cooked the casserole my sister-in-law left for us, and put away the clothes that were given to us, I am blessed by God's provision.
He never promised that following Him would be easy. He did promise His presence and His provision as we take steps of faith.
I think about the Christmas story and how it took work, and faith to follow God's plan. It wasn't a walk in the park to face what appeared as scandal, or to travel by donkey when 9 months pregnant, or give birth in the barn away from your mother, or to uproot and flee in the middle of the night to escape the jealous wrath of an aging king. And yet, God provided. Empathy, in giving Mary Elizabeth, and their family's experience with God. Reassurance in the form of angelic visitations and convincing dreams. Direction and warning when danger was imminent. And even gold when money was needed for the flight to Egypt. God provided everything they needed, but He didn't make it easy for them.
As this year draws to a close, I am thankful for how God has met us every step of the way, challenged our understanding of how much we need Him, and quieted us with His reassurance and provision in moments of weakness.
Thank you God, for journeying with us. You are Emmanuel.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.