Small miracles come each day. I see God provide for my family's needs when we thought, "how in the world are we going to get by now?!" But when Phil was laid off a month ago, I knew we would be fine. I knew we wouldn't have to worry because God's got it, and all we have to do is trust Him. I know there have been many times in my own life where this was much easier said than done. However, this time felt so much different. I felt peace surrounding the lay off and we both knew God would take this situation and turn it into something great because that's what He does!
Phil left at 4am about 10 days ago to head down to a short term job in New Mexico. While it is never ideal for us to be separated by distance like this, we make it work because we know there is an end in sight. We are committed to each other and we know this is just a season; it isn't a permanent arrangement and God is providing for us in the midst of it all.
I also just have to take second to really brag on my husband. While sometimes I have to BEG him to sit still, I love that he has such a giving heart. When I tell him I know someone who needs something, or I know there will be a shortage for something for a client at work, he tells me to take care of people and make helping others a priority. We both have to make a huge effort to keep from over extending ourselves and burning ourselves out to the point we don't have any time or energy left for each other, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
There is something else that I REALLY love about my husband. If you have ever met my husband, he wants to know you - he wants a relationship with you, and not just the "American" friendships of waving from your front porch but not even knowing your neighbor's names. He really has a heart for community and for real, genuine friendships for life, not just for a short time. And many people have hurt him or walked all over him & taken advantage, but he is very forgiving even when I want to be bitter or stay in my un-forgiveness. He is quick to trust, slow to judge and loves people - plain & simple.
My husband is also an amazing man of God. He reminds me often of how far we have come & how far God has carried us, where we have been and where we are going. He never once doubts my relationship with God or doubts anything I tell him that God is speaking over our family. He also rarely discourages me from anything. He always encourages and supports whatever I want to do, even if it means putting his own personal goals on hold. I'm not saying he's a push over, but I am saying he makes sacrifices for what is best for our family as a whole. He really has a vision that is aligned with God, and the future God has in store for us. We know moving to Mozambique will require a lot of sacrifice, but if we don't go, we both agree we won't be fulfilled here.
Yes, we know God can use us wherever we are - even in our own backyards. It shouldn't take us moving to another country to be generous, compassionate, loving, selfless and down right kind. People should see how we behave on a daily basis and know there is something different about those crazy Jesus people!!
So, in everything you do, make people wonder what kind of cool-aide you're drinking. Give that waitress a fat tip and tell her about Jesus. Give that homeless guy a meal or give him a place to shower or sleep for the night, and tell him about Jesus. Give someone extra quarters at the laundry mat and tell them about Jesus. Buy someone's coffee next time you're out and tell them about Jesus. Whatever you choose to do, do it in a way that it brings a smile to God's face, knowing that you have cared for people who are no different you or I - we are imperfect, sinful, hateful & selfish people. Yep - I'll admit it right away. I'm so imperfect it's not even funny. I like to swear and I have no idea why. It just makes me feel better sometimes and it drives my husband crazy!! But I know I have to find better & different ways to let out anger & frustration than dropping an F-bomb or even saying something unkind or gossiping about someone. None of these things show love and I'm sure if someone heard me say what I want to say most of the time, they would not readily assume I love Jesus.
There you go - ramblings from a mom's heart, a wife's heart and a Jesus lover.
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