There came a time about 3 years ago when I realized my life, no, our life wasn't always going to be the same. Since that time, I am learning more and more how much life truly is a journey. A journey of one season of life to another. A very wise-beyond-her-years friend of mine named Rhianna tried to warn me of this before they returned to America for a short furlough. She tried to make me see that the time we had then was so special, only once in a lifetime kinda stuff. Our two little gems, Emmy and PJ, who were best friends would probably never again have the same amount of time together to be best friends as they had then. And, to be honest, neither would we. Since then, I've seen this lived and re-lived. I am starting to get it. I am starting to understand the journey...that moves from one person or place to another. And, how there is only One person who has promised to be there always and never to leave us.
While we were in Pennsylvania I had a wonderful visit with a wonderful woman of God. I've known her for my entire life, pretty much, at least since I was two years old. This woman is one of my mom's bestest friends in the whole wide world and by default has become very dear to me as well. She loved me as her own, she was there the day I received Jesus Christ as my Lord, she encouraged me through all my growing up years to follow after Christ, she prayed with and for me and she continues to this day. The same love she showered on me was immediately poured out on each of my children on the day of our visit. And, our conversation turned to this idea of life being a journey. Her journey has led her into some hard places. And yet, she rejoices in her Redeemer.
Our journey has led us to some hard places and no doubt, if we continue to follow the Lord, we will be led to harder places yet. I am trying to enjoy the moments. The everyday with the people God has woven into that day for this season. I am trying not to pretend that things will always be this way or that way and I am really trying to remember that life is just a vapor, that things can change in the blink of an eye. That a loved one could be gone forever and life would forever be changed, having to live with the hollow in the heart that such a loss would leave. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am trying NOT to take people for granted. I am trying not to take places for granted...for they, too, change (though they are definitely not as important as people). And this thanksgiving, this gratitude gives way to joy and contentment with wherever God places me.
I hope that this lesson of life will remain with me, that it will grow and become part of our lifestyle. That we would be a blessing wherever God leads us.
While we were in Pennsylvania I had a wonderful visit with a wonderful woman of God. I've known her for my entire life, pretty much, at least since I was two years old. This woman is one of my mom's bestest friends in the whole wide world and by default has become very dear to me as well. She loved me as her own, she was there the day I received Jesus Christ as my Lord, she encouraged me through all my growing up years to follow after Christ, she prayed with and for me and she continues to this day. The same love she showered on me was immediately poured out on each of my children on the day of our visit. And, our conversation turned to this idea of life being a journey. Her journey has led her into some hard places. And yet, she rejoices in her Redeemer.
Our journey has led us to some hard places and no doubt, if we continue to follow the Lord, we will be led to harder places yet. I am trying to enjoy the moments. The everyday with the people God has woven into that day for this season. I am trying not to pretend that things will always be this way or that way and I am really trying to remember that life is just a vapor, that things can change in the blink of an eye. That a loved one could be gone forever and life would forever be changed, having to live with the hollow in the heart that such a loss would leave. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am trying NOT to take people for granted. I am trying not to take places for granted...for they, too, change (though they are definitely not as important as people). And this thanksgiving, this gratitude gives way to joy and contentment with wherever God places me.
I hope that this lesson of life will remain with me, that it will grow and become part of our lifestyle. That we would be a blessing wherever God leads us.
6 comments:
A great and timely post. If I'm honest, I don't think I would have fully undertood that on my own. Thanks for putting it into words. I have definately struggled with letting go and comparing then and now. God is still working on me! :)
Um that was me above...not anonymous.
Kim & Crystal,
I so often struggle with this. How I would love things to not change! I absolutely LOVE having P&C and children living with us right now and would not change it if could. But the Lord does not want us to become complacent in anything. So I give it all back to Him.
love, momH
Amen, sister. It is a journey. Your whole post goes well with your blog title, Grace for the Moment. Each moment, that's what we must live for in grace. Love you, Crystal.
That "wonderful woman of God" who is "one of your mom's bestest friends" and who has loved you and your kids like her own sure does sounds like my Aunt Bubby :-) The description fits her to a T and it has certainly been my experience with her as well.
It is so great to reconnect with you and see what all the Lord has been doing in your life after all these years!
-Mindy
Hey, Friend. Good reminders to savor where we are! And smile as we remember where we've been. I love that picture of our sweet little ones and the memories it brings back of that special time for all of us. It bound our hearts always, no matter where we are on our journey! Emmy says to PJ, "I miss you. I wish you would come back to Thailand." We look forward to the next time we can be together with you!
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