Are there ever times in your life when you seem totally overwhelmed? To be quite honest with you all, that seems to be the norm in my life right now. I know so much of this is heightened because my husband is gone. In fact, much of it can be attributed to his absence. But, there are other issues....the never ending trips to the doctors for them to tell me, "Everything looks fine...Let's see if we can send you here..." The small illnesses of my children that just seem to happen close enough to keep me tired, and far enough apart to keep us isolated. It is hard to imagine all the obstacles that one faces without a spouse by their side...until you walk in those shoes. I never imagined what many military wives went through until the Lord called us to this occupation. And adding homeschooling and managing a home, yard work, meals, laundry, health issues, finances, oil changes, etc., without help can get quite wearisome. For that reason, I am taking a much needed rest. Now, when I say rest, it is not a true rest...I will still be doing all those things listed. I am just stepping away from all the things in my life that aren't necessary until I can pass through a season of refreshment. I want to spend more time in the Word and less time worrying. More time praying and less time pouting that my husband is gone. More time enjoying my children rather than bemoaning the fact that I am tired of doing this alone. More time thanking God for all He has given me...and less time giving Him my list of things I would like to see Him do. I need this time. I need to fill my spiritual tank again...to commune with God...not just talking about it, but really doing it. I want to practice once again living in the presence of Christ. I will miss blogging for a while. But, I know the much needed time away with the Living Water will actually make me better prepared to share with you all. I hope to be back by December 1...unless the Lord tells me to stay away longer. If I could ask something of you all, when you think of me, pray that I would return once again to my First Love so passionately that the evidence of His control in my life would permeate my very being!
"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." Philippians 3:10
10 comments:
I totally understand what you are saying. Good for you for getting rid of all the extras so you can just concentrate on what you need most. I'm sending a prayer up for you now and I look forward to your return.
God Bless,
Jackie
Thanks for sharing your heart...as the Lord brings you to mind I will pray for you. I totally udnerstand the need to take a break from all unnecessary things and I think you are very wise to take the time to rest in the Lord. What a blessing to be a child of the King! Take all the time you need to focus on the right things!
Blessings,
Camille
Enjoy your rest, sister in Christ. You need it. Praying for you all.
Thank you Jackie for your prayers. I welcome them. It will be motivation to come back to hear from sweet people like yourself. God bless, Jackie
Lois,
I can always rely on you for such sweet words of comfort. Thank you, Jackie
Camille,
Thank you for the encouragement. Right now I have sick children and it is good to step back and just do the minimum. I know much of these feelings will change when my husband returns, but for now, this is what I need to be doing. Hope to be back in a month, Lord willing. Blessings, Jackie
I was a military wife for 20-some years. It was a challenge, but I do miss it. It was an avenue the Lord used to work His will in our lives.
Thank you Mary. Yes, there are many things that are positive about the military, especially since this is where we believe the Lord would have us now. I know that He works all things together for our good, even year long deployments. Blessings, Jackie
Jackie,
After the shooting at Ft. Hood (which we are near) my heart goes out to your husband and other military chaplains. I meet so many hurting hearts at the small base we are at, and I know that right now those in the army especially, are feeling vulnerable. I pray the Lord will use him in a mighty way to get the truth of the gospel out to those who need to hear. And may the Lord keep them safe in His protection.
Thank you so much Lois. We both so appreciate your prayers. It is indeed hard being a Chaplain and dealing with the spiritual and emotional needs of soldiers. But, I am thankful that God places faithful men in those positions for such a time as this. We did not know anyone personally who died at Fort Hood. But, being military and having been stationed there once, it hit home really hard. My heart goes out to all the families left behind by this senseless tragedy.
Blessings,
Jackie
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