Ahhh…December! I look forward to the refreshment it brings to my soul.
It is my favorite season of the year. My husband and I live near the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, nestled on the outskirts of the Sacramento Valley, minutes from the American River. When the scorching triple-digit summer temperatures plummet, I am beyond grateful.
There is so much to give thanks for.
I’ll be honest, sometimes I lose sight of just how blessed I am. You see, the winds of change blew through our household two months ago. Suddenly, everything is different. Just like that (snapping my fingers). It is a season of spiritual growth. But then, isn’t every season?
I cried to my husband, “I am not a caregiver. I’m afraid. How are we going to care for both of our mothers? And your father!”
In September, my mother took a terrible fall. The very next day, my mother-in-love was rushed into emergency surgery. They are both recovering with the care of our family. We are grateful our moms are still with us. We shifted things around to make room in our home and in our day-to-day routine. We sacrifice time together as a couple. It hurts at times.
I can hear Jesus now.
“Didn’t you pray for your mother to be removed from that abusive relationship? You prayed for her peace and for her to come live with you. You and your husband also prayed for his parents. I am blessing you with the desires of your heart. I am working all things out for everyone’s good.”
When I look beyond myself, I realize the suddenlies in our life, which are often masked as trials, are mercies in disguise. Only when I shift my focus on what God is doing can I ‘consider it all joy’. It’s not an easy thing for me to do. How about you?
My friend, if you are in the midst of a trial, give thanks. Despite the pain or suffering, give thanks. Lean into Jesus and embrace the unexpected. In time, He will reveal those things you need the most, because He meets every need.
“For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!” Romans 8:18 (Amplified)
And I will consider that joy.
Believe. Belong. Be loved.
