The Big Picture

Sometimes I have trouble seeing the "big picture" in life. Is it just me? ;)
It's easy to see the right here, right now...to allow my focus to dwell solely on the present. To allow emotions and feelings to dictate my reactions. Recently, while doing my daily devotion, something I came across really stood out. In summary it said, "Over and over again, the Bible begins a person's story by telling where they came from, who their parents were, and what land they originally inhabited. This is all to show that 'our story begins long before we do.'"
Before Abraham ever lay Isaac on the altar, before his marriage to Sarah, before he traveled to Egypt, and before he ever heard the voice of God...God was planning his story. God knew exactly how He was going to use Abraham, how He would bless him and the mark he would leave on all nations and in the plan of salvation; but God also knew that Abraham was only a part of something much bigger. Just like Abraham, and so many other important men and women of the Bible, there is a BEFORE me..and an AFTER me. All of the stories that came before mine and all of the ones I've lived so far play a part in God's "big picture". Wow! It is a blessing just to be used, chosen and included in God's plan.
I find myself sometimes asking, "Why?" or "Why us?" or "Why now?" When I'm reminded that my focus should be on the "big picture" that my human eyes can't fully see, I think, "Why not?"
God himself does see the whole picture and He knows why. I can trust that. He has never ever let me down. I can look back at uncertain and difficult times in my life and see answers now to so many of the "why's", and how those hard things made some amazing things possible. I've seen evidence of ways that God affected the future of our children, developed their character, made opportunities to use their gifts and hearts for Him and above all grew their faith and brought them closer to Him. He grew me too. He is so patient with us, friends. We don't deserve His love and there's nothing we can do to earn it...but He gives it anyway.
It was difficult at times to start all over 3 years ago. God made me lonely when it was necessary to teach me not to hold onto anything or anyone more than my Heavenly Father. He loves us enough to empty us so that we can be filled with Him.
I share part of my story to let you know that you're not alone. In confusing and uncertain times, when you can't see the whole picture..rest in the assurance that He does. So, we can be at peace being just a "piece" of the puzzle.
My family is starting an important new chapter in our story. God has already written it. I don't yet know the "Why's", but am reminded by His word that God knows the plans He has for us and for our future, so I can say "Why not?" and know that in time we will be able to look back and laugh and say, "That's why!"
The unknown can be a scary place, but don't be afraid to take a step of faith. Rest in the knowledge that your "unknown" is known to God.

February 14, 2018

I just keep thinking that it happened on Valentine's Day. That was always one of my favorite days of school. I loved filling out the cute little cards and choosing the perfect one for each classmate. I looked forward to our class party and opening all of my Valentine cards. The high school kids in Parkland, FL were probably past the days of cute little cards and classroom parties. But, when they headed out the door for school that day, it was supposed to be a day all about Love. They were all supposed to go home that day and eat pizza shaped like a heart, share gifts with family, go to church or to sports practice or a game. But, 17 of them (including 3 teachers/coaches) didn't make it back home. My heart has ached all day when I think about it. This morning it came up in the car with my own high school student. It literally broke my heart to have to ask certain questions and remind him what he should do if something like this were to happen at school. Tears have flowed and threatened to flow at every article, news report or picture. I've wondered why this time it seems to be hitting so deeply. But it should hit hard. It should not feel commonplace. I don't ever want to feel numb to senseless tragedies like this or to the loss of precious human life. If my heart hurts this much, how are the parents and loved ones of these victims still standing upright? I don't know. I can't even begin to fathom their pain and what must be an utter tidal wave of emotions. It hurts that our children are growing up in a world that has grown so cold. Evil seems to run rampant. Days like this, it feels like evil is winning. And so I will continue to remind myself - I DO believe that love is more powerful than hate. I KNOW that evil will not win in the end. I believe there is still so much good in the world. Good people - like the coach who stepped in the path of rapid fire to be a human shield for his students. Like the teacher who managed to hide all 19 of her students in a closet and keep them quiet and safe until a SWAT team came in to rescue them. Like the janitor who re-directed to safety more than 40 students who were unknowingly running toward the shooter instead of away. I don't believe that these horrible tragedies are the result of just one issue. There are so many factors. As Christians, as much as it hurts we know that we are living in perilous times. It's not a surprise that the world will grow more and more cold and even farther away from God as we approach the last days. So, how do we combat this darkness? With the only thing that can - Light. His light. His Spirit. His power. His love. His grace. His mercy. His Word. His people. And, as difficult as it can be..His forgiveness. It is for all. His promises. I'm holding onto them right now more than ever. The world needs hope, and we have it in Jesus Christ. We can make the choice to repay kindness for unkindness, love for hate, hope for hopelessness. Our prayers are with you Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Parkland, FL. We hurt with you. 💙