Friday, June 27, 2008

Amazing, Truly Amazing

Just found out it may rain off and on most of Sunday, and that's when I'm having over fifty people over to celebrate our son's high school graduation. I had hoped there would be sunshine, flowers blooming, music playing, people strolling over the grounds with a cold soda in hand, teenagers playing volleyball in the backyard. But no, I think we may instead hear rumbles of thunder, see the rain pour down, and feel very very connected that day- perspiring, hot people crammed into our small house, balancing a plate and a drink in hand, smiling and sweating and intently trying to celebrate this milestone in our lives. What loved ones do for each other- it's amazing.

But loved ones also often hurt each other. We bicker, quarrel, bring up the past and resurrect certain "issues"- hot spots if you want to call them that- and these issues can resurface and have to be dealt with over and over again. It can be a hurt from the past, a memory of someone failing you, or a sensitive spot in your heart when a certain word is brought up. Sometimes Family Get Togethers are like volcanoes that decide to suddenly erupt- and you thought it would, you tried to warn those around you that you had a feeling it would erupt- and then, sure enough, it does. What loved ones do to each other- it's amazingly painful.

I keep telling myself- sometimes in a voice of wonder and sometimes in a trembling voice- "God can handle it." I know He is never shocked by outbursts and break downs and fights and fears. He is the One you can go to and say, "I feel a volcano in me about to erupt, and I know its better that we talk first before I talk with anyone else." That's when you'll feel God's hand of approval on you: not because you came to Him all clean and perfect and in complete control, but because you came to Him with a mess on your hand and fear in your heart and stumbling feet...but you came to Him nevertheless. You came to Him because that declaration of faith was running though your mind, firing up your heart in belief- "God can handle it." What God does for us- it's truly amazing.

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jer. 32:27

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

it's true often loved ones are the ones who can hurt us most... but I believe we feel so deeply hurt because we so deeply care.

Anonymous said...

What a candid, heartfelt post. It blessed me today.

Brenna said...

Thank you.

God's girl said...

Hey girly! I know you are so busy but I wanted to invite you to a pilot Bible study I am doing on the blog. No pressure just pray about it and let me know if interested.
Much love,
ANgela

Angie said...

That's when you'll feel God's hand of approval on you: not because you came to Him all clean and perfect and in complete control, but because you came to Him with a mess on your hand and fear in your heart and stumbling feet...but you came to Him nevertheless.

This line really got to me. In your words...it is amazing, truly amazing.

Happy Graduation to Alex! Hope you and everyone else has a great day no matter the weather.

Kay Martin said...

You said,
"What loved ones do to each other- it's amazingly painful."
I just listened to a friend caring for her aged mom who was in tears at the words her mother had laid on her. We talked and could see that her mom's issues at this point have her on edge, etc. But, oh the pain. You're right our LOrd, truly cares and is able to be a calming influence and our call is to trust Him. Love this post.

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

hey girlie - Hope you are doing well!! I have a giveaway on my blog you might want to check out!!

Love, Leigh

Victoria (Vii) said...

This is a was a wonderful reminder to me today!

LAUREN at Faith Fuel said...

Wish you all could have come to the party! I would so love to sit down and have a long chat with all my blog-world friends.