Once again on Wednesday I rose early to run. No inclement weather threatened this time. We met, Nikki and I, at our usual place, parked our cars, and started out. Four and a half sluggish miles later we returned to the parking lot, laughing and rejoicing that we had finished. And then we saw it.
Nikki saw it first – the back window on my SUV shattered. Glass all over ground, floor, Ellie’s car seat. My purse gone. My new purse, a “souvenir” from my trip to Chicago with Grace. The purse, the wallet, all the contents…credit cards, driver’s license, who knows what else…and the cash for our groceries this week….gone.
What do you do when it feels like this is just another incident in a long series of major incidents? What do you do when you feel like you’ve spent the summer facing unexpected expense after unexpected expense, and none of them small? When it just seems to be one thing after another?
What do you do? You remember that moth and rust destroy, that thieves break in and steal. You cling to the promise that every good and perfect gift is from above….all things work together….He will provide….He is here….He is enough…He is faithful.
What do you do when children come, smiles hidden, eyes alight and hand you envelopes rattling with change, stuffed with monies saved and cards made? You weep and you hug and you give thanks. In this inconvenient, broken moment of canceling credit cards and replacing shattered windows, you find your own heart shattered at this love-gift from children, from a Savior. For without this broken moment, their beautiful gift never could have been given.
And I give thanks….
0805. broken window
0806. stolen purse
0807. a friend who prays with me and for me
0808. generous, abundantly generous, children
0810. drives in the country
0811. dancing
0812. barn swings
0813. laughing
0814. perspective
0815. Sunday school prayer time
0816. someone who dances with me
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
~ Psalm 96:1-4
My Ears Are Tired 
Oh Sara! What a precious gift from some very precious girls. You are blessed beyond measure.
Sara, this was such a blessing to read. Aren’t you just so glad the Lord has helped you choose to *see* His blessings in spite of the hard stuff? Otherwise, it would be so tempting to just sob and give up…He is so gracious to lift us up and give us glimmers of hope.
Your children are so sweet. Love this!
He has been prompting me as well in being thankful for many things. Especially the really important things, faith, and family. There was a time in our lives that every time we had unexpected money come in, our next thought was-what is going to break next, as He always provided even before the need arose. Unfortunately it has taken years for me to realize the “inconvenient” item that occur have little to do with the joy in my life, but finding the nugget of gold that He desires me to learn and grow from is of far greater importance. May He calm your spirit, and bless you as you work through all of the inconvenient details that need to be taken care of.
What lovely gifts!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad I found you via A Holy Experience!
After reading, I could not help but think about the what ifs….
I know we shouldn’t ~ but, so thankful that you did not return from your run while this was happening. Just another gratitude to be numbered. And yes, your children sound precious!
I pray your sense God’s presence this week.
IN HIM,
Kaen