Well, the past few weeks have been some of the most trying for us in this journey to Providence... our journey in life. Two weeks ago, I left Jamie and the kids here in Maine as I ventured south to spend time with my mom as she continues treatment for cervical cancer. Needless to say, the visit was emotionally draining. Everyday, I found myself sitting in the middle of the waiting room at Duke's Cancer Center, surrounded by countless patients and their families. More than once, I was overcome by emotions as I thought about the battle each of those individuals was undertaking: a childhood robbed, lives forever altered in ways that many never could have imagined... constantly reminded that everyday, every moment, matters. Like a shot in the arm, I was again inspired with ideas of "intentional living" in Providence... thinking of all the things God has placed on our hearts. But, within moments of returning home, I was, once again, reminded that this road will not be easy.
Our hope was to have the house on the market by now...but the way things are looking, we'll be lucky to have it on the market by the fall. Still no job prospects for Jamie (or me, for that matter). I'd be lying if I didn't admit to my frustration (or disappointment). But, it's at these times that I truly try to push into Him all the more. That, unfortunately, isn't a natural instinct for me... but it's getting better. And I truly feel that it's one of the things He's teaching me on this journey.
Wednesday night, I met my friend, Cindi, at chuch for an hour of prayer. It was just the two of us, praying for Providence. It was such an amazingly sweet time, praying for the people, the city, for Jared and Rachel as they move into their new place, for the rest of the team as they begin their journeys to the east, for our family. About 45 minutes into the prayer time, I completely lost it... just overwhelmed with everything...desperately wanting encouragement from Him. Pleading with Him for direction. Jamie and I find ourselves in this weird situation... we have absolutely no idea where our family is going to be in 6 months. That's a scary place for people like us... but what's scarier is that we feel as if God is choosing to be silent for the moment. I keep going back to something Beth Moore said in the James study: It's easy to follow God when it's obvious that He's there... but it's our choice to follow Him when He's purposefully silent that brings about spiritual growth... that deepens our faith. This is what I was praying for. This is what caused me to be overcome with emotion.
That night, when I returned home, Jamie and I did something we've never done before: we watched worship teams on Youtube. I wanted to show Jamie a particular song. The next thing I knew, he was picking out different songs to listen to. I couldn't help but laugh at the situation: Someone that refuses to sing on Sunday mornings was excited about worship songs on Youtube. It was just a sweet reminder... encouragement... that even though God is seemingly silent, He's still at work. And just in case your're curious, here's the link that started it off. This song has ministered to me tremendously the past few months. I LOVE how this church and worship team truly worship God. Inspiring! Rachel introduced me to this song when we sang at the Women's Conference in Providence. I think I've watched this video, at least, 100 times since then... so much that Brayden sings it while he's doing his school work!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Voi3JM8ZA
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