{april 1}

Easter 2013

It's April 1, and rather than my mind pondering witty pranks to pull on my guys, my heart is a blur of numerous other thoughts:

1).  It's April 1.  Our firstborn graduates next month.
2).  College.  In two weeks, we should receive word from his college of choice regarding his acceptance.  The waiting and questions of the past several months will be over as God continues to reveal His plan and lead through his next steps.
3).  His graduation party.  I've been dreaming and planning and taking notes for months---well, really for the last 10 years.  We used to get in the van after attending graduation parties of our former students, and I'd pose the question to our boys:  "So, do you know what you wanna serve at your graduation party yet?"  I remember Drew answering, "Mom, I'm only 8!"  What can I say?  I'm a planner.  :)
4).  Passing milestones, holidays, "lasts."  These months leading up to "launch," overflowing with so many bittersweet moments.  I'm just trying to take snapshots of each one; to tuck away each and every moment in my heart for safe-keeping.
5).  Son #2 applying for his first job.  Need I say more?
6). This back pain.  I've had intense, debilitating back pain for the past week.  Jon is trying to get me to go to the chiropractor or doctor.  I, however, pride myself on being tough---too tough sometimes, I suppose.  Oh, and if you're reading this, would you please pray for me?
7).  Weddings.  Lots and lots of weddings.  One of my favorite things in life is getting to work side by side with my husband in offering premarital counseling to so many young couples that we deeply love.  And then there's the culmination of all the forthcoming weddings, and better yet, marriages!  Our next wedding is next weekend, and then this summer, Jon is officiating at 5 weddings in 9 weeks.  Such an incredibly fun season of witnessing God establish new homes rooted in Him!

Add to the above bats and fender benders and rising insurance costs and school tuition---all to which I choose not to give much thought. Actually, given to my own flesh, all these things and more would threaten to consume me, 'cause it can be overwhelming, you know?  But God has regularly been taking me back to Scripture, impressing Truth on my heart.  And when my mind wanders and dwells on stuff other than His faithfulness and provision, He's gracious to call me back and lift my eyes to His.  Lately I'm especially grateful for Exodus 14:14.  I love the way God uses specific passages for specific times in life---precious promises and admonishments to which we can cling and find hope:

"The Lord will fight for you, you have only to be silent."

I can stop my fighting, my striving, my agonizing, my controlling, for as Moses reminded the Israelites when life pressed in on them from all sides, the Lord will fight for us.  Throughout changing days and seasons, new experiences, firsts and lasts, unexpected news, unknown futures, and just plain hard stuff, we have this steady, unchanging, faithful God who goes before us.  We're safe.  He's got this.  We simply need to rest---to trust---and let Him be God.