Not long ago, my husband and I made a 2 hour road trip. It was glorious....I'm not kidding! 2 hours of uninterrupted adult conversation with the man I chose to spend the rest of my life with, but with whom I spend to little of my time. We talked a-lot....many many subjects, but mostly the kids. Why is that???? You finally get to talk, and you talk about the kids??!!?? It was good though, when you feel a bit disconnected, to compare notes on where you see the kids, and how best to deal with it. We try our best to be a united front with all of our children. We laughed a-lot, and even cried a little when we reminisced about our sweet Crockett, and what we miss. It was good, I love my husband, and I love to spend time with him. I try not to take that for granted.
When we reached our destination, we were met with an unexpected surprise!
We met a couple there that was such an encouragement to us. We only chatted for about an hour, but in that time I felt so close to them. We had some similar history of experiences in regards to our churches, and our children, and our homeschooling. It was so refreshing to meet someone to whom you instantly feel a connection. Near the end of our conversation someone else in the group asked about Crockett, and expressed their condolences.
My new friend asked when he had gone home.
I shared freely, relieved to be able to share, as it hangs so fresh around my neck, a heaviness that needs to be lifted occasionally by just a word of his presence in my everyday.
She shared how she had lost her 2 1/2 year old daughter to heart disease 18 years ago.
There was an instant connection, for even though we all have a different story, the loss of a child is a pain that unites the aching hearts of all parents who have ever experienced it.
We rejoiced in the knowledge that we will see our children again one day, and yet grieved knowing that even after 18 years the pain of the hole that is left when they go home, is still present.
God is so good, to bring people into our lives, that not only encourage us when we need it most, but fulfill a need that we didn't even realize that we had.
How has God encouraged you unexpectedly lately?
4 comments:
My work situation is *extremely* stressful not only for me but the majority of the staff. What God has reminded me this year when I get discouraged (which is A LOT) is that I am right where He put me, for whatever reason. Sometimes I think he plucked me from a cesspool and placed me in something similar. If I didn't look up, I'd go bonkers.
Indeed Amy that was very encouraging! It must have been so great to make such an instant friend! (See it is not you!) And have connections in so many ways. It seems truly like it was sent from the Lord.
Yesterday I was encouraged as I sat on the ground at Fall Festival by my mother and was feeling very sorry for myself because I couldn't take the children around to the different booths because I was on duty. Then Susan came over and told me to go walk around and she would sit with mom. It was very unexpected and allowed me to relax and talk and to be encouraged. I should have had a good attitude to begin with.. but I had a good attitude afterward because she was so generous with her time.
I love a good car ride and definitely connecting with new friends who completely 'get' you. hugs!!
This week has been a long lonely week as we wait on God. We had been excited all week to join the neighborhood fun on Halloween but as the time approached we struggled to lift our spirits. By an act of our will we made ourselves go out and sit on lawn chairs with everyone else and greet the trick or treaters. It was fun! But our shoulders began to droop as we prepared to go inside and I knew we were both thinking the same thing, "I wish we could be with our sweet grandbabies on this fun night". As we closed the house up, I turned around and someone was pulling up in the driveway, it was some sweet friends who had their sweet one year old all dressed up like a clown. They wanted to make sure we got to see him!!! They encouraged us for the next 2 hours as we played and laughed together and were able to forget our heavy load for a little while! Praise my Heavenly Father! He is a good Father who knows exactly how to encourage me!
Post a Comment