A Goldilocks Life

Look Up

I’m in a quandary. There is a person I must talk with about a problem related to our ministry together, and what I need to say won’t be easy. This morning I listened to my favorite morning radio show, and the author they interviewed spoke of difficult times he faced, including three bouts with cancer and a job loss. The words he shared resonated with me. Instead of gritting his teeth and wondering why God allowed it, he chose to lean toward trust in God. Looking up kept him on the right track.

Those words led me to pray for the person and the conversation we need to have. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or ignoring the problem hoping it will go away, I have turned toward God and will wait for His answer. The Bible says, “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5

Almost Done

We’re still playing the waiting game, but resolution is coming. Our son, Ray will be moving soon, and not by his or our own choice. But we think the State of Wisconsin has his best interests in mind insisting that he move into a smaller group home setting. Thankfully, we found a place we all like very much.

I admit to worrying while waiting for an answer. I’m thankful that it has come for the most part with just the moving ahead of us. Again.

Steve and I have moved twelve times in 28 years of marriage. But it’s been six years since the last one. Not that it’s us moving, but we need to help with planning and packing and trimming back. Ray is not equipped to sort through things alone, and packing is not something he’s done a lot of. At least he will be there to direct us about what to keep and discard. Thankfully it’s a room full of stuff, not a house full.

The place we’re at is almost, but not yet. I see that in our daily lives as well as Jesus Christ’s children. The Lord has promised that if we have trusted in Him for forgiveness and eternal life, we will spend forever with Him when this life is through (John 5:24). He may come again before we die, and in that case, we will fly away with Him. Revelation 22:20 says, “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” We are ready. Are you?

Jesus Calls Us Friends

“What God calls us to cannot be definitely stated, because His call is simply to be His friend to accomplish His own purposes. Our real test is in truly believing that God knows what He desires. The things that happen do not happen by chance—they happen entirely by the decree of God. God is sovereignly working out His own purposes.” Oswald Chambers

When I learn good news, I call (or text) friends and family. Bad news, same. Most of the time, I praise God for the blessing of good news and pray to the Lord about the bad. The thing is that there are times I just can’t bear to share what’s on my heart or I’ve been asked not to tell anyone. But it’s comforting to know that God desires to hear from me. He knows all about it. As Chambers reminds us, God calls us His friends (John 15:13-15) and is sovereign. He is leading over everything and working in all situations for His purposes. That requires us to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Right now, I am in a waiting time. Situations may soon change, and I’m holding my breath with anticipation and some trepidation. The comfort through it all is that Jesus is in my corner. Do I believe that He has plans for me? The Bible says God is working all things for my good since I love Him and He loves me. That’s what friends are for. To love and care for us. I’m so thankful to have friends and family who care. Greatest of all, Jesus is here for me. He is my Friend.