The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. John 3:25 (NIV)
Almost two weeks have gone by since I posted and after receiving comments from readers inspired because I wrote everyday. I responded by dropping off the face of the earth, or so it seemed. I was not hanging upside down in space, but desperately trying to keep from being overwhelmed by my little world. In the last twelve days, every minute counted. There was no time to write about what was happening. I was too busy living it. There is no way I can play catch up this time, so here is a brief summary of what the last few days have been like. Professionally, it was a difficult time. We lost another one of our historic homes to the wrecking ball. In the process, an out of town attorney chose to personally attack my credentials. My first response was anger, but after thought, I let my work stand for itself. Rather than continue with the debate and defend myself as some advised, I chose to ignore the onslaught and focus on my mission, saving the house. Unfortunately, we lost that battle, but we will be stronger the next time. The support that the fight generated helped me to realize that the people who I really care about trust and believe in me. My staff experienced personal trials that have been difficult as well, and I have been stretched thin supporting and encouraging them. Their frustration is compounded by the fact that we are in our busiest month and approaching our biggest event of the year. Personally, my dad is ill again. He is undergoing more tests and seeing more specialists. Thus far, he has avoided returning to the hospital. My horse colicked from eating too many acorns, and the vet made an emergency visit to pump him full of $225 worth of medicine and mineral oil. He is still acting puny so I am keeping a close watch on him as colic can be deadly. I was organizer of our Sunday School class’s auction which is our biggest fundraiser of the year. The money that it brings in supports missionaries around the world as well as benevolence projects in our community. The committees worked very hard, and God was good. We raised $16,000 in one night. In the midst of it all, I went to a great niece’s first birthday, and we celebrated youngest son’s miraculous, marvelous, outstanding report card. So, what do all those things, both happy and sad have in common? Each one was an opportunity for me to make a choice. Would I become anxious and stressful or remember Who controls my world. If I choose to believe that God is in control and He loves me, then, no matter what happens, professionally or personally, I can stay calm, waiting on Him to act. Someday, maybe I will have time to write in more detail about all I learned in the last twelve days, but remembering that everything including me is in Christ’s Hands is the most important lesson of all.
Sorry you lost the house, but I’m sure there will be other battles you’ll win.
I hope your Dad is doing better soon … your horse too.
This is not colic like babies get right?
$16,000 in one night is pretty amazing.
I’m so proud of you for choosing to NOT debate your attacker. God promised that He will take care of those things if you’ll only let Him.
I’ll be praying for your dad and your horse. And that you’ll find a few days of peace and rest before having to jump back into the fray.
I’m out of breath just reading your post! I am in the midst of a ‘career’ transition where teaching may be taking a back seat to counseling. When I think about it I have panic attacks…..when I ‘let go and Let God’…I know that it will all ‘shake out’ according to God’s plan. Thanks for the needed truth in this ;)Keeping you close in my heart as you support your Dad and take care of your horse. Yay!! for your son!!!
Good to hear from you!!! I have a friend who had horses for many years and she told me about the colic and how the intestines of the horse can actually get twisted. I think 16,000 is wonderful! What a success! What a reward for all your hard work! Kudos to your son for his report card. Bless you for sharing the greats and the not so greats. . . makes me realize how much each of us really has in common as we go through our days. My dad who is 88 has been failing seriously. Recently he was put in a nursing home close to where my parents live. My mother spent time with him there everyday. I was beginning to get myslf to face the fact that this might be it. Well, life is full of miracles. I talked to my mother the other day – apparently my father has rallied, is now back to walking with a walker, is talking again and the plan is to send him home at the end of the month. My mother sounded more ‘up’ than she has in a long time. I am so thankful that even when life can be painful and hard, there is always tomorrow, a new day and another chance. In the midst of hurt and sorrow, there are blessings, miracles and best of all, grace and forgiveness. Sigh.