The drenching rain pours. We sit sheltered, today, from its
harshest effects.
We are in an RV on the Oregon Coast for a two night repose.
Kinley reads. The boys watch cartoons. Isaac plays games on
an iphone.
I peruse the internet and Jeff sneaks in a much deserved
nap.
He has driven many, many miles. There are more ahead.
Breakfast settles into our stomachs and the smell of bacon
and coffee remain comforting and warm.
This motor home is our very first home. The only one we have
ever fully owned.
We sleep, lined up like matchsticks, cozy and ordered.
In the midst of furlough that disperses our family into
larger family systems we claim two nights and some hours as just Us.
We get this gift often as we serve in Uganda. The isolation
we feel anchors us to each other and shapes our family. We anticipate outlets
and opportunities to venture outside of our family for moments and respites,
but find ourselves resting and resolving best when we get back face to face and
shoulder to shoulder with this, Our Team.
Amazing the ‘able-ness’ of our God. How He fills and
inspires and motivates right where He calls.
I sip another cup of coffee. Stare at these God has allowed
me for now. And continue in a season of Thanksgiving. Prolong the
acknowledgement of harvest.
It aches. A place setting for each of mine. While others,
those dear to me, acutely feel the empty space. The one who met Jesus ahead of
us.
I strive to welcome this awareness. This loss that does not
relent even as cheery music wafts and lights twinkle. I want to honor the road
my warrior friends are navigating.
I want the courage to be Real. Lord, make me able to accept
and make a secure place for Authentic. For the painful inexpressible. For the
need to be silent. For the ache to wail. For the blessing of remembering. For
the completely unpredictable process of a healing wound.
I have time today to sit and think. To remember. To
pray. To cry. To thank. To learn.
All as the drenching rain pours.
Into the storms around me, with humble courage-seeking
voice, I speak to believe. I speak to choose.
“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
