Clinging and Praising in the Midst

So...I've not written in too long. Too long for me anyway.

Certainly not for lack of things going on...oh no, it's been quite the opposite.

Last I wrote a post, I was gearing up for a HUGE September. Goal setting, calling people to action, getting myself in a mode to put a new schedule in place as the kids went back to school and generally seizing the last months of 2012.

But then God.

In fact, I never hit "publish."

I was clearly told to NOT do that.

He spoke to me that my September was to simply sit back...quietly.

To listen.

To be still.

To be available to my little ones.

To be ready, ready for whatever He brought my way.

As we turned into the month of October, my friend asked me, "So, how was your restful September?"

I was a bit taken back.

Certainly not by her question, but by the fact that I was not a hair more rested than I was late August. I truly have no idea where that month vanished off to, although I do have memories of sitting and reading more Scripture than I was accustomed to.

That's really all I have to "show" for September.

All the regular rhythms of life have continued. Laundry. Cleaning. Grocery shopping. Homework helping. Reading to littles. Balancing budgets. Preparing food.

And then...

...the beginning of October has brought me to my knees.

These are not easy days. I cannot even write this post without tears welling up in my eyes.

A major event involved my father in law falling at our house and incurring a serious head injury that led to emergency brain surgery and now doctors predict will take him 6 months to regain his former pre-incident self.

Other things have worn on me. Stresses that I am not able to share publicly threaten to choke and snuff out my hope and joy.

I sadly admit, they've come close. I'm in tears again.

These are hard, hard days.

But one of my favorite Scriptures is tucked away in Habakkuk:

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,

and there are no grapes on the vines;

even though the olive crop fails,

and the fields lie empty and barren;

even though the flocks die in the fields,

and the cattle barns are empty,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

                                                       (3:17-19)

Source

I want to be counted among those who look at empty barns, fields, vines and trees and rejoice for the provision God has for me! This is a CHOICE, not based on my circumstances, but based on WHO my God is. He is mighty to save. I will indeed put my trust in Him.

Stand with me in prayer, please.