In the midst of sadness and loneliness and missing home, I decided to change my focus today and take this truth to heart:
Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18,19
I have been so guilty lately of pondering things of the past. I am constantly thinking about what my life was like in Iowa City and comparing it to my life here. Life here just comes up short. And of course it does... we have only been here a year and community and friendships and feeling connected all take time. So comparing just isn't fair.
Today, God brought to mind some ways He has shown his loving kindness to us over the past year.
*My girls have been so healthy this past year. Not one time in the last 15 months have I taken either one of them to the doctor for illness. Not even once! That is SO unbelievable to me after how sick they both used to be all.the.time.
*We already know many of our neighbors. We have only lived in this house for four months but we've already gotten to know several families in this short time. We could have moved to any neighborhood, but in His great wisdom, God brought us here.. to a sweet neighborhood with lots of young friendly families.
*Justin loves his job. In our (almost) ten years of marriage, he has done so many different things and has never really loved any of them. His jobs have always been a constant area of stress in our life and marriage. For the first time, that is not the case!
*We live so close to many vacation destinations! Since living here we've traveled to Gatlinburg, Hilton Head Island, and Orlando... each trip taking less than seven hours in the car. And Justin just booked our 10th anniversary getaway to Savannah... we are so excited to check out another close vacation destination.
*We are out of our comfort zone. Eww... this one is a love/hate. I kinda hate being out of my comfort zone and being stretched. But I also know that allows God to work. And I want to be grow and learn and apparently I'm not good at that when I'm comfortable. Love/hate.
*I saw a car at the YMCA today with an Iowa Hawkeye sticker on it! I love reminders of home when I'm so far away.
That's what I have for today... but at least it's something. I will choose to focus on these and I will try my hardest not to ponder things of the past today. After all, God promised to make a roadway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
5 comments:
Very sweet, Annie. How interesting to count those blessings one by one. It does refocus your attention and no doubt puts a smile on your pretty face!
Love it! I don't love that you are gone, but I love what God is doing in your heart because of it. I remember when we moved here I LONGED for Godly women friends. One day I looked around and was brought to tears because I was SURROUNDED by them. The part of the verse eludes to that...that it will spring forth and you could very easily not be aware of it if you aren't disciplined to SEE God's hand in ALL things. I'm praying for you, dear friend. He WILL comfort you in your quiet, lonely times, but he will also be faithful to complete a good work he has begun in you-he will not leave you or forsake you in your loneliness.
Dear darling daughter, I am so happy to see you focusing on the positive things in your life! Becoming accustomed to a new community does take time, and already so many good things are in place for you. Being away from those we love is difficult - but oh, the joy in the reunions! Looking back for me and Dad, I can't even imagine not coming to Iowa to live, though at the time it was difficult. I am certain that many blessings are in store for you - how exciting to look ahead and see those unfold!!
Annie- praying for you! I was just reading in Jesus today about this- I think looking ahead or back is a struggle many of us face. Living in joyful contentment in the RIGHT NOW is wicked hard. I am struggling too but lifting you up! LOve you
Even though we only moved a few hours away, I feel this too :( However we just found a church we love and a small group- and life is beginning to feel joyful again. I'll pray the same for you! Moving is tough!
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