I was recently blessed to take a little dream of a trip with my 3 daughters. Laughing and crying our time through some blessed days, I came back to reality with a jolt after tearfully sending them back to where their hearts were: their homes..
Looking out my kitchen window, tears flowed as I gazed at red dirt, boards, clutter and debris from a prolonged construction project that has challenged my faith a whole lot!!
While shopping with my girls, I saw a new little saying on some shelf sitter signs that said: " You were created for such a time as this". Referring to Esther's call in Esther 4:14. Numerous times it popped up on a plaque. I mentioned it to the girls. Something unique and new...
That little phrase came to memory after I realized I was feeling overwhelmed... I decided to take it as my motto. I remembered the day God said to me, "Go... Do..." I went. I'm doing. It's my challenge to remember why I'm here!
A few tears cleansed me. A long car ride soothed me. A day away calmed me. And all the above were good.. but I needed more.
So through this week, I have looked for reminders and blessings. It came in the form of an awakening motivational talk at our Spring Fundraiser. A survivor who told of his childhood. The heart breaking story of what he suffered as a child. I am truly blessed.
I feel so grateful for the wonderful news of hearts and purses opened to bless this present Project so liberally! I was horrified when the Oklahoma fires threatened friends' homes, only to feel so thankful when God switched the wind just in time! This was followed by disappointment that we couldn't do our planned awareness float in the local parade because of heavy rain. Reminded through it, that God was answering prayers for Him to drench all of Oklahoma!
I listened to a tearful plea from a terminally ill young mother with children reminding us not to complain. Every day is a gift from God. I kept my mouth shut when freezing temperatures forced us to pull out hoodies and boots when Spring should be here!!
And when you are feeling blessed, you go way on back! I remembered the time when my living room suite was looking ratty and I walked into my house to see a beautiful new one complete with window treatments!! It was specially blessed and served 3 households through the years! And the time we outgrew the family car and took a last trip in it that our son could hardly fold his legs into. Only to be handed the keys to a van.... Oh and the time our house sold before it was ever For Sale when I asked God to send someone to my door to buy it. I could go on!!
And today, I cried through the blessing of song as I listened to a little congregation gathering on a Sunday afternoon to give praise to God. Those songs were for me!!
I am blessed. Lord; make me an Esther... He has created me for today and such a time as this. He is calling me to strength and courage. He is making me strong and courageous with challenges and setbacks. The challenges lead me to faith and prayer. His faithfulness to remind me of my calling has stirred me. I am blessed!!
