For the last 10 months our family has been on a journey. I didn't mention it on here because it involved a lot of waiting and a lot of unknown (the thread of my tapestry of life right now :). But as of Monday we found out that the journey was over. It didn't end the way I thought it would and that caught me off guard.
You see Matt put in for a job last December that could have potentially uprooted us from where we live now (and have lived for the last 20+ years) and land us anywhere in the U.S. It would have meant leaving family and friends, being separated for 5 months while Matt was training for his new job, selling our house here, temporary housing and a big move to somewhere unknown. I tried with all my might to see this as a positive, as an adventure and a growing point for our family ... all the while trying not to think of just how difficult it would be to leave our family (all of our family) and so many of our friends. So when we found out Monday that Matt wasn't able to complete one of the tests, which meant the job offer was off the table, I should have been relived right? Well I wasn't, instead I was initially very sad and disappointed.
And you know why? Because I was again relying on ME and MY plans. Again I had forgotten HIM and HIS plans. Matt came home on Monday saying he felt like a burden was lifted. He was relieved, knowing he wouldn't have to move me and Ethan. And I started to remember ... I remembered that from the beginning of this process, I prayed, "Lord, if this is right, if this is the BEST thing for our family, if this will make us stronger in YOU, then make this happen. And if this is not what is best for our family than make it very clear to us."
He made it clear to us on Monday. Matt was a "shoe-in" for this job. There was no reason for him not to pass this test than the simple fact that this was not what was best for our family. And once I realized this my sadness and disappointment turned to thankfulness that my prayers had faithfully been answered, even if it took me a little while to hear the answer. And that my friends means I'm growing ... God is graciously giving me opportunity after opportunity to grow.
I thought it fitting that I should share a few blogs that have really been moving me spiritually. Growing me and encouraging me in life ...
Sarah Markley -
http://www.sarahmarkley.com/
I especially love this recent post of hers ~
http://www.sarahmarkley.com/2009/09/my-best-days-2/
and
Bring the Rain -
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
I'm warning you, this is a heart wrenching story of a mother loosing her child, but her testimony and grace and faith is so moving.
The story starts here ~
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/01/beginning-of-story.html
And that I think is enough depth for one day on this typically light-hearted blog of mine.
Happy Wednesday!
8 comments:
Beautifully said. Thanks for sharing.
My Andrea, I think this is great reminder to make sure that we do put our trust in God & not in our plans. I know I tend to do the latter. I'm still praying for you guys about all of this, but I'm so happy that you are both content & seeing blessings from this experience already. I love you dearly!!
I find it interesting that Matt came home feeling unburdened. I think that's very telling. Loves to all of you--here's to continued happiness as you move forward.
I am so happy this has ended in the best possible way, with you guys being where the Lord wants you to be. Selfishly I am thrilled that place just happens to be 10 minutes away but I am also thrilled to see your faith being stretched and grown.
Oh Andrea, I understand that feeling of disappointment and it's good because it means you BELIEVE in Matt and while he was a "shoe in" it's some times hard to hear. It's also so very hard to be in that waiting game trying to prepare yourself for the very likely probablity while yet not comitting to the idea completely and now to go back to the idea of staying here and recomitting to that.
The unknown is very hard for me and trustin & relying on God whew that's tough too!
I admire you and am grateful for your honesty.
Blessings to you today!
I love hearing the stories of how God is working in someone's life, thank for sharing.
Andrea- wonderful post. I am so glad that you get to stay near your family & friends. I think this whole situation is a strong testament to how much you loved your husband and that is awesome.
Thanks for the blog links. And sending you lots of hugs and happy thoughts!
Well said, A! Many hugs to all of you.
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