Summer again! And a huge sigh of relief from me. Sometimes the school year feels like a race to the finish line, and I am dropping things along the way.
With three teenagers, it always seems there’s a lot going on, a lot to juggle. And I don’t always have to energy I need for my juggling act. I am still struggling with shingles and feeling a huge weight of anxiety about taking a live virus vaccine with my immune system low, but this seems to be the best option to have some hope of conquering this beast.
So we set off for Gulf Shores as soon as school was out—bathing suits and sunscreen and hormones all packed into our little Honda! I hoped the roar of the ocean would drown out the roaring in my heart and let us all relax a little.
The beach and sun and waves did their work. We returned to Oklahoma sunburned and relaxed, if a bit road-weary.
But God has been doing His work in me as well, and I feel compelled to share it. Throughout this year, my little Bible study group has come back to Philippians 4:4-7 and other verses like it, rejoicing and finding peace in spite of suffering. We think God really means it--He means for us to rejoice, not matter what.
At times I feel overwhelmed, but eventually I remember this: I cannot change my circumstances, but I can confront and endure with peace and rejoicing. With grace and not bitterness.
Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say it again, be full of joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (New Century Version)
Giving thanks for my wonderful family and friends.
Joy and peace to you.
The Lady in Pred
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