In eleven days, we are homeless - at least for about 6 weeks til we land in Malaysia and make a home there. What that will look like, we have no idea only imaginings at this point. We've lived out of suitcases before but never for this long so pray for patience because I think that routine could grow old fast.
The house is in a state of total chaos, which reminds me - if you lent us something or we borrowed something from you in the past while, could you come get it? Whatever it is, we probably have it on the shelves in the back mudroom so feel free to come and take it home. The door is always open. If it doesn't leave for home by itself, we'll try to return it asap but, if by some chance, it gets mixed up with the sale stuff, we apologize and hope you can live without it.
Kaleb is having difficulty this week processing things. He feels there isn't enough time and is worried about the good byes. We've decided to stall heading for the States by one day to throw a party for him and Annie, for closure really. If all works out, it will be a pool party at a farm nearby. Please pray for no rain on June 17 and for lots of hugs and solid good byes.
Tim is on his second last night shift - this is unbelievable in itself since he's been doing it for so long. I'm going to have to learn how to share the bed again. One his nights, I usually turn the mattress heater on high and sprawl all across the bed with lots of pillows. That's history.
I'm waking up really early these days and am exhausted by lunch. I went for a run today when I could hardly keep my eyes open thinking I would perk up - NOT! Mental stress is enough exercise for right now, I guess. I find myself heading to my piano at night and playing in the dark some spontaneous song that creeps into my fingers. It's very therapeutic. I imagine that's how some famous pieces were composed, flowing out of some stress or crises in the composer's life. I wonder if they played in the dark, too.
And then there's always the worship songs. I find one I like and play it ad nauseum til everyone rolls their eyes at me and walks out of the room. My family is quite used to me stopping in the middle of a conversation or cooking supper to sing along with some song. They just let me do my thing - when the song is over I return to normal, I mean to being myself. The flavour of the day right now is "This Is Our God" by Chris Tomlin (at least it's on one of his CD's). For your enjoyment here are the words - sorry I can't provide the tune:
A refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm, this is our God
He will wipe away your tears and return your wasted years, this is our God
So call upon His Name, He is mighty to save, this is our God
A father to the orphan, a healer to the broken, this is our God
He brings peace to my madness, my cowardice and sadness, this is our God
So call upon His Name, He is mighty to save, this is our God
This is the One we have waited for, this is the One we have waited for,
This is the One we have waited for, Jesus, Lord and Saviour, this is our God.
A fountain for the thirsty, a lover for the lonely, this is our God
He brings glory to the humble and crowns for the faithful, this is our God
So call upon His Name, He is mighty to save, this is our God
This is the One we have waited for, this is the One we have waited for,
This is the One we have waited for, Jesus, Lord and Saviour, this is our God.
I think of all those people in Israel who had long awaited the Messiah and who could actually point to Jesus and say, "This is the One we have waited for." I wasn't there 2000 years ago to be able to say that about the physical person of Jesus but I can say with surety today, He is the One I have waited for and am waiting for, not just for my salvation but for help in difficult times, for answers to prayer, for comfort in grief, for peace in this stressful but exciting situation.
Thank goodness He always shows up right on time. It makes the messy house, the tears, the finality of this chapter of our lives have meaning far beyond what we can see.
This is a long post and I need to get some sleep now. I will navigate past the piles of stuff and head upstairs to bed, where I hope sleep is also waiting for me.
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3 comments:
I love the goodbye party idea. Would your guests like to try malaysian food? I sure would. ;)
"Mental stress is enough exercise for right now"
I can relate. If I have too much on the brain, running is a total burden. Others might find it de-stressing, but not me.
You guys continue to be on my mind and heart and in my prayers these days.
Oh Shauna....this is not goodbye..just simply a Fare Thee Well until we meet again...for these few "thousand" miles won't keep us apart, we will always be close in thought, prayer, and spirit. I understand the stress of saying goodbye "We'll see you soon" as I have done more than a couple of times...but have found that those who I am close to have stayed close and time does not change the relationship..I for one will sit down and have my cup of coffee, with you as I have done with many others over the years. I am not trying to diminsh your anguish about leaving but all those who love you all will keep you close and send their love and prayers...I am one who knows that you can hold someone close and love them for a very long time...and I also know that God never gives us anymore than we can actually handle...and yes we will miss you...in our midst but you are so good at blogging, we will be able to live vicariously through you!!! Love Mum
"This is the One we have waited for, this is the One we have waited for,
This is the One we have waited for, Jesus, Lord and Saviour, this is our God."
In the midst of some waiting, this resonated so strongly that I cried.
This morning Wade Fitzpatrick preached Romans 5:1-5. How do we find hope? By letting suffering produce perseverance, and perseverance produce character, which produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us.
Sometimes we ask, how long, O Lord, how long? And it's tempting to turn away from suffering -- either sinking into despair or numbing the pain with some shallow entertainment. But if we wait, if we persevere we will discover character and, somehow, hope.
Blessings as you live these days "in between." May you find each day an adventure. And in the moments that feel more like suffering than blessing, may you be assured of our hope on the other side, waiting on Jesus.
See you soon at Arlington Beach.
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