~Sometimes it is the little things in life that make us smile~
Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions for me. God has chosen to put a very big blessing right in our path. Something that we could not have even chosen for ourselves. But sometimes blessings come with change. And, as anyone who knows me can attest, I don't do change very well... I like my comfort zone as most of us do, but there is more too it than that. My parents raised me to be happy with what you have. Not that I wasn't to strive for more, but I was to be content with where I was and to have joy despite my circumstances, which is an immensely helpful skill (not to mention a perfect way to glorify God). I lost sight of that in the '90s when life was booming, the economy was rockin' and I paid too much attention to what those around me had. We love the old SNL Nightline skit with Gov. Bill Cl*nton speaking to the people. One lady said, "I want stuff... Where's my stuff....??" We were always looking for more "stuff." Thankfully, God is faithful and doesn't allow you to stray too far. We have decided that less is more. A more simplified life allows us to live, love and laugh more freely. We believe that the pursuit of the American Dream is getting in the way of living for God. And it is so very important to be walking close beside Him, listening to His whisper and using our time and talents to glorify Him and not to further our worldly desires. There is a quality of life, a quality of living, that comes from freeing yourself of wanting more. We like nice things, do not get me wrong. But we chose wisely, we are frugal and anything we bring into our home has a specific purpose or meaning to us. We live a nice life. We have a beautiful home. It is not anything lavish but we have improved it to suit us exactly where we are. We have 4 sons that share 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. We are about to add another son to that mix. When ask how would they all fit, our answer is that we will just make it work. God doesn't bring you to it without bringing you through it. I sat in front of one of those bedroom closets the other day and laughed at the absurdity of a closet built in the 80s holding the clothes of three boys, ages 6, 9 and 12. Sometimes you just have to have humor about these things. We are happy with what we call the "stack and pack," ...kind of a "the more the merrier" philosophy. I think that God has chosen to bless us in part as a result of our faithfulness to follow him regardless of where we are physically and financially. When he whispered to us about adopting our new son, Joe, we answered the call without complaining that we did not have enough room, that we did not know where the money would come from and how to deal with an older child adoption.... we just answered. Now, that is not to say we were without questions or fears or concerns, but at the end of the day, we trusted Him completely. He has a plan. And it is ALWAYS greater than our own. He always sees the big picture when we can often only see the here and now. He goes before us and prepares the way. Will you please pray with us about this blessing? That we have a peace about it, one way or another? That we will know that it is from God? That if it is not from God, it will not work out? I want to embrace this blessing, regardless of the sadness the change might bring, knowing that it is just a path to something better. Russ talked with me last night as I sat in our den, crying. He has a similar feeling and reassured me that the very fact that I am upset and excited all at the same time is evidence of where my heart is. I am happy with what I have and where I am, and even though the blessing is beyond my dreams, I feel that I should not want for more. It's silly, really, because I was not seeking out more than I have, a blessing was laid out before us, hand tailored for each and every one of us. A friend stopped by unexpectedly today and talked with me about it. The confirmation was loud in my ears. Sometimes you just need a little prodding, even for the good stuff.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
