Small Tribulations

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31



The last couple of weeks have been packed with end of the school year activities. Mads and BK wrapped up their track season with the bi-state meet. They endured a full day of wind, hail, cold temperatures, and lots of running. They did well, and I am very proud of their hard work. We have had class plays, projects, bike rides, and odd schedules.



It is times like these that I miss having family that lives in the same town. My family has been wonderful, and they have participated in these events in many ways, but it is not the same as having them here. We have missed that fellowship, and interaction and I am sorry that my kids are missing deeper relationships with these important people. Life is what it is, and God has us here for a reason.



I have continued to struggle with being content with where I am. I find myself blaming all kinds of things for my discontent, but at the end of the day I know that it is a lack of gratefulness, and a desire to find the easy way out. God is teaching me to trust Him in circumstances that I don't like, and I am kicking and screaming that I want something else. I know everyone outside of me can see this and say "Duh," but the one in circumstances is always blind.



I was not prepared for the emotional upheaval that bringing Nes home would cause. I figured it would be him that needed help, but it has turned out to be me. He is much more stable than I am. God has quite the sense of humor. I listened to an amazing sermon this weekend, thanks Michele for suggesting it. It addressed how tribulations prepare us for glory. I realize my tribulations are small, but they feel weighty just the same.

God has let me deal with the consequences of my sin. I can see down the road behind me where I missed the mark. God has forgiven me, and redeemed me, but the consequences of my sin have caused me to miss His glory. I know that I could have been fit for better things, but I was not willing to wait on God. Today I am working on contentment with where I am. Not contentment with where I wish I had gone had I obeyed God the first time. Fortunately I serve a longsuffering God, who does all things well. He draws straight with crooked lines, like mine.