Friday, May 31, 2013

The Blocks of Life



I didn't see a new home in our future. But God did. Instead, I've spent the last six years worrying if I would keep my home or have one again. Today I am surrounded by boxes. Been that way since we left Florida in the fall of 2011 to move to Texas for what we hoped would be our answer. In a way, it was. It led us back to home to PA.

Like anyone, I want my life to line up. Be orderly. Make sense. For years it did. I planned what college, when to get married and what kind of work I wanted to do. A few skips here and there but manageable. The last few years I didn't see coming. Trying to wrap my head around the idea that our lives won't always line up as building blocks is still difficult.

I find myself wondering when the next wall will tumble down.

I don't like that. So I'm working really hard to trust that God will be there to catch me when life does crash again. He did before. Maybe not in the way I wanted but he did.

Life happens. I'm learning to go with it no matter what direction it takes me. I'm throwing away the preconceived ideas that everything must work out. Because it doesn't. And for good reasons although figuring those out might not always happen here on earth.

So I'm building again. Not just my home but my life. I'm learning to take what comes and be happy about it. Not saying it's an easy process but it's what's in front of me today.

What kind of building is God doing in your life?

11 comments:

Keli Gwyn said...

It's been fun watching the pictures of your house-building project on FB. It must be so exciting to see your new home taking shape.

I've also enjoyed hearing about your writing and am glad you've been having so much fun with your story.

Linda Hoye said...

I'm so happy for you, Terri, that you're building your new home and rebuilding a new life. Like Keli I'm enjoying watching things take shape on FB. Best wishes to you on this journey!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I have come to know this (and very little else): "Christ in me, the hope of glory."

Christ my sufficiency.

I know the ups and downs, ins and outs of trust, friend. I also know that each and every day, I have the sustaining companionship of my Creator. We're on pilgrimage, you know. And these blocks of love that you can see with your eyes are only a small shadow of the blocks of love he's building into your heart.

More than likely, another shoe or two is gonna drop at some point along the way. In those times, the miracle of God's abiding presence drops into our lives to remind us that we are not alone.

I sense God doing a strong, solid, and certain work in your heart. Don't fear its advent. You are more than your circumstances.

Today I stand with you around those blocks and love and add my heart and hands to the chorus of thanks. Your best days are ahead of you, Terri. Thank you for letting me stand alongside you as they unfold.

peace~elaine

Susan said...

Hi Terri....What a great combination....a new house and a new life! God always turns everything to good.

It amazes me to look back on the most horrid experiences. Come to find out, as unpleasant as they were, they were not just stumbling blocks but stepping stones.

As always, when I keep EYES ON THE ROCK, everything turns out okay.

The home is going to be lovely and, without any doubt in my mind, the new life will be beautiful, too! Susan

Great Grandma Lin said...

crumbling walls can make great stepping stones to new heights. Just finished my rough draft of my divorce book...now to get feedback.

Jeanette Levellie said...

This is so encouraging, Terri, that God is always at work building our lives, even when we don't see or feel Him.

He is teaching me to trust Him re: my mom's future, and my next book. Both are kinda up in the air.

But your story spurs me to hang tight to His hand and not let go. Thanks!

Karen Lange said...

Have been watching your progress on FB - so happy for you! I agree, building lives isn't always an easy process; I am glad God is in control. :)

Jennifer Shirk said...

That is just so exciting about building. It's amazing to think about how we see our future and what God really has planned for us.

Deb Shucka said...

It's so nice to see your words here again. It sounds like your wander in the wilderness is about done for this time, and that the rebuilding is happening from the inside out. Wishing you every success with the query process, as well as with this new leg of your journey.

Sioux Roslawski said...

Terri--A new home. How exciting!

I see you have a story in NYMB On Dogs. Me, too--I actually have two stories in it. (I'll have to page through the book and find yours.)

I'm giving away the NYMB...On Travel book on my blog.

(Six Chicken Soup stories? I'm jealous. ;) I only have four so far...)

Cheryl Klarich said...

He is with you Terri! Brick by brick, block by block.
I am amazed at what you have accomplished--especially with all of the "detours".

He loves you so much!!