Trust

   As I sit here typing this the skies are trying to shine bright.  The clouds keep coming in to cast shadows on the ground.  I don't realize how sneaky those clouds are until the house fills with bright sunlight and I see the sun's full potential lighting up the room. 

   I was trying to decide what to write about today.  It has been a few days since I posted and while I have lots that I want to write about, I just haven't had much time to sit and type it out.  One thing that stands out the most is about a innocent exchange between a dad and his little 4 year old son....

   One evening several weeks ago we met with some friends and family to swim in my in-law's pool.  The kids were having fun as usual and Ryder was jumping-not diving- into the pool from the deck.  The little four year old wanted to jump in also and while he is wearing his floaties he's a bit intimidated by the thought of jumping in. 

   He takes timid steps to the edge and looks to his dad to catch him but he still has that "scared to death" look on his face but the will inside that he really wants to jump like the "big boys".  He jumps in and his dad catches him immediately.  His face doesn't even go under the water.  They repeat this action several more times and then he wants to go under the water. 

   He hasn't put his head under the water once since they got in the pool. 

   He goes for it...he takes off the floaties and stands at the edge.  He looks full into his daddy's face and says that he can't do it, he's scared.  Understanding his fears, his dad says back, "Trust me.  I got you."  He immediately jumps in and sinks his whole body under the water!   His daddy's protective arms are around him the whole time he is in the water.  He pops up out of the water, fear is gone, and excitement takes over.  "Again! Again!" he yells.  He keeps jumping into the water over and over knowing his dad has him each time. 

   I was watching this play out and cheered for him every time he made a leap of faith and came to realize that this situation can be applied to my own life. 

   How many times has God said to me, "Trust me. I got you." and I stand at the edge and say that I'm scared.  I think back through the years at times when He had me. 

When I graduated from high school

My first day of college

 My first day at a new job

 Walking down the isle on my wedding day(thrilled and excited but scared)

 Signing the loan papers for our first home

 Announcing that we were expecting our first baby

 Bringing that baby home from the hospital

Deciding to homeschool

 

"Trust me. I got you."

 

   The list could go on and on. I need to remember that God has my back. He will never leave me; especially in my time of need.  I hope this post will encourage you on your walk today and that it will cheer you on to continue your journey.  Have a blessed day!

 

 

 

  

Wind chimes

   Several posts back, I answered some questions for the Liebster Award. Here is one of those questions is here with my answer: 

5. Would you hang windchimes on your porch? Would I? Yes. Do I? No.  At one time I had a small set hanging.  The set that I currently have was given to me when my aunt passed away several years ago. I do not want them to be ruined so they hang in the corner of our playroom by a siding glass door.  When the wind is strong it will ring them.  Each chime has a verse of "Amazing Grace" on it. 

 

 

I wanted to expand on my answer.

 

   Many years ago when we moved to the farm, I had a cheap wind chime set hanging on the front porch.  It didn't take long for it to be ruined from the wind that whips along the front of the house.  This particular set has too much emotional attachment for me to be destroyed. 

 

   My dad's side of the family is small.  My grandfather passed away in 1970's and my grandma passed in 2005 so that left my Aunt C and Uncle K ("Unc", Dad's brother). Several years ago Aunt C went to the beach with her sister and best friend as they did every year.  (She LOVED the beach and was the first person to take me to see the ocean in my teen years.) When they arrived at their hotel room Aunt C said she didn't feel too well and  that she was going to go to bed.  My aunt never woke up. It was a beautiful Friday afternoon in September when Unc called and told me that she had passed away very unexpectedly in her sleep.  It shocked me to the core as she was ONLY 50 years old, thin and appeared to be in good physical shape!  Not someone you would look at and think would die young.

 

 

   This set of chimes was given to me from Aunt C's mother and sister.  They weren't here to help Unc handle the funeral arrangements as they live 1.5 hours away. I walked through the process with him and it helped to have something to do with my time and a way to grieve myself. I think it helped him to know that he had us to lean on also. My aunt and uncle did not have any children; it's only my two brothers and me in this generation.  

 

   I don't write this post to make you sad.  I loved Aunt C dearly and she is in a much happier, better place- heaven.  I tell you this story because when I see my lovely set of wind chimes hanging in the corner of the playroom I think of her and I am reminded of how loving and sweet she was to us. Her love of sports, especially football and tennis and how she hated green beans!  I can remember the sound of her laugh. Many good memories come to mind when I see or hear those chimes. 

 

   I also remember that our time on this Earth is limited and we would do well to spend our time well. We do not know when we will breathe our last breath or spend time with loved ones.  Make the most of each day you have been given. Make memories with those you care most about. 

 

Live (Galatians 5:22) 

Laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

Love (1 Corinthians 13:4)

 

   Each chime has a verse to "Amazing Grace" written on it. 

 

~Amazing Grace~ 

John Newton (1725-1807)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.