Dear Union Parents,
Summer is here and a change of seasons can often mean decisions or new challenges are on the horizon. But what that might mean for the future can certainly be unclear. Here at our house, we are pondering a new school. Vocation shifts. Growing kids and expanding boundaries.
Nothing seems clear cut when it comes to parenting.
In a recent Sunday morning sermon in Union's Genesis series, I found myself gravitating to the quote, "Trust God. Love people." As much as I try to know what the experts are saying and apply it, my best work is done when I'm trusting God in the hard moments, with the big decisions. Many times, we are told to love God and that's good, but I sensed that element of trusting Him was more concrete and active as we move forward in our day-to-day lives. It gave my heart a boost.
I guess that's why I need to look to the heart when facing change and looking forward. That's where trust is most at home.
As we face the decision of the best school for Caden this coming fall after a hard fourth grade year, Andrew and I proceed without answers, but with the assurance that God loves Caden more than we ever could. The assurance that He chooses to surround us and never leave us.
Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
In the waiting without concrete answers, what do we do?
Well, we lean in with faith that God is going ahead of us - always - and has our back. We listen, pray, have breakfast for dinner, talk a walk in a beautiful place, hug our people, drink water and get as much sleep as you need. Ask for help whenever you can. These little acts cushion the journey, gives us strength.
What's on your plate these days that leaves you wondering? Where is God asking you to trust Him in your parenting, even without giving full fill-in-the-blank answers? Wherever it may be, everything we face is weighed heavily by our Lord. He just shows us the little steps as we journey with faith and together we proceed in trust.
This week is 4th Sunday and there is the opportunity to talk and share with one-on-one. Maybe take the opportunity to talk to one another or talk to me about ways we can journey without answers, but with trust. These conversations are another way to cushion the journey. I'll be there - let's chat!
Psalm 25:4-6
Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion, for they are from age to age.