In my post of two weeks ago I opened a window into my world. Good News! My dear husband has a new job!
I was reminded of this verse:
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you. 2 Cor 2:3
I am so thankful for the words of encouragement in your comments on this post; I read them again and again. The power of words was brought home to me yet again through this time of waiting.
This has been a very short period of unemployment. And I am THANKFUL! We weathered a 9- month unemployment in 2009 along with so many who have felt the economic downturn in the US. I knew this could be another of those long dry seasons. But it wasn’t. Funny thing, in reflecting on all the ups and downs of life, I was reminded of something our eldest said to me years ago: “ Mom, God knows you can’t handle anything really big! You’d freak out!” Spoken like a true, observant, and helpful teenager.
I’d like to think I’ve learned to be more relaxed and mellow as I’ve aged. In fact, just today I shared with my friend Sue in a text conversation that “I like to think of myself as a recovering control freak, thank you very much!”
Seriously though, I do think it is possible to make incremental changes in our mindset and attitudes. Embracing the idea that life is a journey can be transformative. Your life is not just a “to do list” to accomplish.
For me, day by day, through His Word, I have been (and continue to be) made new by the renewing of my mind. Again and again bringing my thoughts under control (not mine—His!) and being intentional to include God in my days has changed me. But I am still in process, just like you! We need each other to encourage and be encouraged. To laugh with. To cry with. That is the essence of community. Where do you find your community?
So we’re rejoicing that our unemployment was short, but what maybe you’re going through is not over yet.
Life will have challenges. Jesus flat out told us that! “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world!”
Remember what He’s done. Remind yourself of Truth. Reach out to your community. Rejoice in the overcoming Lamb!
Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.
He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6