It's been a week of long work hours, emotional ups and downs, extra time with friends, and shopping for a long-awaited new camera.
It's also been a week of feeling frustrated. Have you ever tried to tell someone how you were feeling and didn't really feel like your were being heard or understood?
I am so grateful to have Christian friends who are great listeners and know me well enough to give me support, helpful criticism, and yet let me feel understood. I also felt encouraged by our pastor, who gave a sermon on Sunday on the very subject that I was struggling with.
God's timing is amazing!
It's not easy to trust God's timing, though. I know my first reaction to not feeling understood was to withdraw and be resentful. I knew, though, I needed to pray that He would let me know that He especially understood what I was feeling(as He always does). And then He later provided me with others to support me along the way.
I'm also grateful that I didn't get to post on my blog till today, because that allowed me to have time to read Ann Voskamp's post first (HERE). These words she wrote touched my heart,
"...there’s not one of us who hasn’t lost something, who doesn’t fear something, who doesn’t ache with something. I wanted us to turn to the hurting, to each other, and promise it till we’re hoarse:
We won’t give you some cliche – but something to cling to — and that will mean our hands.
We won’t give you some platitudes — but someplace for your pain — and that will mean our time.
We won’t give you some excuses — but we’ll be some example — and that will mean bending down and washing your wounds. Wounds that we don’t understand, wounds that keep festering, that don’t heal, that down right stink — wounds that can never make us turn away.
Because we are the Body of the Wounded Healer and we are the people who believe the impossible — that wounds can be openings to the beauty in us."
In the midst of my frustrating and emotional week, I felt the touch of caring hands, a caring heart that made time for me, the washing of my wounds!
What a renewed and refreshed experience to feel understood!
"Since then we have a Great High Priest who
has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast
our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to
sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been
tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw
near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to
help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Giving thanks today, as I continue to count my blessings, and joining others at "Multitude onMondays".
1,292 - A loving God who understands me, when I feel misunderstood!
1,293 - A special friend, who also showed her love and compassion!
1,294 - Warm, spring days.
1,295 - A timely and encouraging sermon.
1,296 - Getting a new camera! I've patiently waited till we could find time and had money available. (I will be posting lots of pictures, as soon as I get the hang of this new toy!)
1,297 - Another loving text from my son, plus a brief phone call.
1,298 - Having lunch with an old college friend: sharing, laughing, and encouraging one another!
1,299 - My niece, who had a healthy baby girl yesterday, April 8! I mentioned her baby shower a few weeks ago, HERE. Little Ellie Joy weighed in at 4 lbs, 12 oz. 17 and a half inches long. She came early (was due May 6). Mom and baby are doing well.
1,300 - My brother(read his story here and here), who was near death, just 2-4 months ago, is able to hold his first grandchild today! Thank you, Lord, for healing him!!!
Also linking over to these blog hops:
Hear It on Sunday/Use It on Monday (Michelle DeRusha)
Weekend Brew (My Freshly Brewed Life)
Soli Deo Gloria Party (Finding Heaven)
Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)
Titus2sdays (Time-Warp Wife)
Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace)
Wednesday's Word (He Cares for Us)
UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)
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