It's not meaningless

We had a really sweet time at a conference with colleagues and it was so good for my heart to have some time to unpack the last 3 ½ years. 

We both were able to have some precious time alone, a gift after lots of packing, moving, travel, etc.  Sweet Jesus time, without any other distractions. 

We enjoyed lunches without the boys and I loved being able to engage in real conversations.  It was what we needed and it is always nice to be around people who get the life we live, and have a better understanding of how it shapes you.

The past 3 ½ years have been some of the hardest years of my life.  It’s been filled with lots of grief.  6 months in we said our first good bye, and they just keep getting thrown in our face.  We’ve said goodbye to 15 families/singles in that time.  Many have had no choice in their departure, others moved on to new places by choice.  Regardless how they left, a dent in our heart remains from these precious friends and we treasure the fact that we get to spend eternity with them someday. 

Each week it seems like there is another family added to that mix and I’m left to wonder….

 “What is Lord is up to in all this?” 

I have a very fleshly perspective on this life, and from where I am sitting it’s hard to reconcile all of it.  But trust Him I will.  I’ve seen the treasure that comes from that.

We choose to trust him through the loss of a child, and Jesus has truly been our breath and light in a dark and suffocating place.

We’ve weathered some storms that can only be survived by clinging to the Rock of Jesus Christ and because of that, the depth of who we are has increased tenfold. 

“Therefore, therefore, do not lose heart.  But take these truths and day by day focus on them.  Preach them to yourself every morning. Get alone with God and preach his word into your mind until your heart sings with confidence that you are new and cared for.”  John Piper

“Though you take from me I will bless your name!”-Shane & Shane Though You Slay Me