And So, Begins a New Year

At least that is how I feel in September. Summer break is over. (I can’t even believe how fast it has gone.) With the change of the season, another change comes in our family. After a year and a half, we delivered our granddaughter, Hero, to her home and the start of a new school year. We have had a good time together and learned a lot of great stuff, but everyone is anxious to get back into their everyday life. Hero has been a trooper, but it has been tough on her being away from her parents for long stretches. Hard on her parents too, but they are finally back together and adjusting to one other.

And then there were three.

Paul, Jayme, and I must do the same. We have gone from a family of five, including Hero and June, (See previous post Tender Mercies) to a family of three in a short time. It’s a whole different rhythm around the house now. Jayme has become more independent and plays by herself part of the time. Homemaking for three is less than for five, and I am finding more time to do some of the things I have been longing to do. There are days I wonder what to do with myself. Do I have time to do this or that? Silly, I know. I guess I’m out of practice, but I plan to grab hold of the moments and make the most of them in the days to come.

I must confess.

One of the things that have returned to my days is a regular time of pondering Scripture. I must make a confession here. Over the past couple of years, I did not have much time to spend studying the Bible. An apology is due to all the young mommies I have taught in my women’s groups. Please forgive me. I hope I did not cause too much hopelessness when I said EVERYONE has time to study. I was wrong. Mommies of very young children get a pass. The feeding and care of children impact their time. It’s a tremendous job. They are doing good if they get a moment to listen to a podcast or read a short devotion.

Please be careful to avoid devaluing those small moments afforded through short devotions. This week one pointed out a verse in Psalm 40 that spoke to what I was feeling.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1 Emphasis mine

I’m not sure that I have been waiting patiently for God as much as he has been patiently waiting for me. But if I look at the original word—qavah—it means to wait or look eagerly for, to hope. And that was something I was doing over the past months of busyness. I was constantly looking for God’s presence and work in the things going on in my life.

Another word that jumped out at me was the word turned or natah in the original Hebrew. Its meanings include stretching out, extending, spreading out, pitch, turning, pervert, incline, bending, or bow—such a great list of definitions. I especially liked the idea of pitched—erected and fixed firmly in place. It draws a picture of God putting up a tent and joining me where I am. When I consider that idea, it feels a whole lot like love.

Two little words in one verse allowed me to see God a little bit clearer. I am amazed each time the Scriptures come alive and make themselves personal even if it’s only a few words at a time.

How about you?

God is in the habit of reaching out to us. We don’t have to change up what’s happening in our world to make time. He makes time for us in our chaos. Our part is to watch for it to happen. He’s here now, not just when we can get it together. Breathe out a little prayer seeking him and see what happens. You will soon hear the ring of tent pegs being hammered into place as he secures his dwelling right where you are.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91:1-2