Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sometimes life is crazy.

Actually, more often than not it's crazy. Especially these days. Everything is so unpredictable. Up in the air. Downright scary at times.
But there is one thing I can count on...God and His creation. God's creations are perfect. And that includes you and me. We are not here by accident. He planned us. And He planned us for such a time as this. (It is no coincidence that I am aware of you and that you are aware of me.)
And I love that. I love knowing that even though my life seems to be spinning out of control GOD is in total control. My circumstance may surprise me. But they are NO surprise to Him. I forget that sometimes. I forget that God is GOD. I forget that my troubles and the things that seem like they are going to break me are tiny in comparison to my God. He can do anything, change anything, heal anything. Anything.
Yesterday was a rough day for my husband and I. We are going through some struggles in our life that just won't stop. And even though we keep our chins up and stay the course and try to see the bright side...sometimes it just gets too dark. And we lose sight.
Yesterday was one of those days. We were defeated. Beaten down. Hopeless, even. Not a good day. Not at all.
But then I went to work. I really like my new job at the christian book store. I like it more than I thought I would. Sometimes when my shift is over I don't even want to leave. So yesterday I was scheduled at 1pm. It had been a really rough morning. But I dragged myself into my "uniform" of a white polo and black pants, packed myself a small snack and headed off to work. When I got there my sweet friend and co-worker was there. And when I saw her, something switched in my mind and in my heart.
3 years ago she lost two of her children in a car crash coming home from a family vacation. She was driving the car. The anniversary of it all is coming up this month on the 29th...so this month has been a hard one for her. She's struggling. But she's also trusting God. It's a beautiful thing to witness...
Seeing her, and knowing that she is pushing herself beyond belief to even function as a human being made me see things in a whole new light. Yes, my husband and I have troubles right now. And yes, they seem like huge mountains to climb. But...on the other hand? We have each other. We have our children. We have what's important. Knowing that, we can climb any mountain.
I called Chris immediately and shared with him what I was thinking. We decided to focus on the positive, and not the negative. We decided to focus on the solutions and not the problem. We decided to focus on God and not ourselves. And I have to say...the day went a lot smoother from there on.
Thank you, Lord for your peace in the midst of the storm.

7 comments:

Knitters Notebook said...

Just wanted you to know that I am praying for you ....times right now are tough for everyone...not making light of what you are going through.

Lynn

Anonymous said...

Michelle, that really puts things into perspective. wow. I pray that things will be brighter for you each day. xoxo

Nancy said...

Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. I hope today is a better day.

I smiled when you said that God created each of us...I'm teaching crafts at our VBS this week and our lesson last night was God's Creation.

My heart goes out to your co-worker. I can't imagine losing one of your own children. I pray that I never have to experience that.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

I am so grateful for the thoughtful, creative women who stop by here and take the time to leave me encouragement and inspiration. Thank you...

Anonymous said...

oh michelle, everyone faces their own burdens don't they.

i hope you find some peace and your dear friend at work is such a brave, brave woman.

i can so see you working at a bookstore.

i needed this today. it seems that we keep getting hit with wave after wave of bad news here that just makes you doubt. but then you read something in a book or here with your lovely post that gives you your hope back.

thank you.

A Friend Across the Miles said...

Michelle -

Thank you for the lovely post, your words of encouragement, your reminder that God is bigger than any of my "problems". I needed this today. Thank you for allowing God to use you through this crazy medium...

Anonymous said...

This made me cry tonight. It is just the reminder that I needed. Thank you.