Out of the Storm

It has been a hectic few weeks, and this day in particular was fast paced and full. We were headed to Kentucky for a reunion of the families who adopted with us. I had subbed in the morning, and pulled things together in the afternoon. The challenge was that time was moving faster than my productivity. Samuel helped pack from the moment he got home from school until we pulled out of the driveway. Note to parents: train them on the "how to..." before you let them loose. Sorting, organization, and bags would have been helpful. I have to give Samuel credit -- he had amazing energy and zest for getting us on our way. He packed clothes for each of the kids and ran all over the house collecting things -- bathing suits, pj's, toothbrushes, a change of clothes. I didn't follow up, so it was pretty humorous to see what each person had when we got there -- way too much, but not quite right either. We picked Todd up from work so that we could continue heading south and not waste any more time.

It was pouring rain all day, and with the rush of the day and the traffic, I was feeling a bit frazzled. Part of me was glad to be getting out of town for a night with our family, and part of me was overwhelmed with how much work it is for six people and a dog to have details covered enough to go. The weather and rush hour didn't help, but I kept thinking of how good it would be to see the five Chinese "sisters" together.

We had to run past the ATM in case we were headed to the pumpkin patch the next day as planned. The van was running on empty so we had to stop for gas. My mind racing, just wanting to connect with Todd and share about our day, and our van was full of four kids' anticipation and excitement for the outing.

As we pulled out of the bank, we had five crisp ten dollar bills. We never carry cash. We passed a homeless man, standing on the side of the road with his sign. I never know what to do but pray. We drove past, but it wasn't a moment later that Todd and I commented to each other. The homeless are here, not just in big cities. How many are looking for shelter in the pouring rain, wondering where their next meal will come from? Todd said he wanted to give him a ten, not knowing if he'd use it for food or for something else, but knowing it didn't matter either way. It didn't matter if the man was honest or if our money would have been put to good use. Todd didn't want to get in trouble with his wife who accounts for every penny and stretches every dime. Sadly, though, as we passed the man on the corner, the thought came to my mind too that we had an extra ten we could have spared. It kind of amazed me that we both had the same thought, both felt led to do the same thing, but we spoke a moment too late and missed it.

Through our drive and some moments together this weekend, I took the opportunity to be more intentional in sharing with Todd what God has been putting on my heart for us currently. He reflected back such similar feelings; we identified so closely with each other. It was such a gift, a sense that we have a marriage with all of its challenge and imperfections, yet the presence of Jesus stirring in our hearts and minds, uniting us and directing us according to His plan. We have done some incredible growing in the past two years in particular, each in our own areas. But suddenly, I watched as God intertwined our hearts, feeling the same pulse, and knowing more deeply in each other than any one else on earth could possibly know.

I wish we would have taken that opportunity for obedience that we both shared in our hearts. Ultimately as I reflect on the weekend though, I'm so grateful for that connected passion to do whatever God has for us. In His incredible timing, He is bringing us to the same place, to petition His throne as one. We are open, surrendered, and crying out for Him to lead us and keep us in the center of His will, not ours.

For all the rains pouring, for the storms we've been beaten down by, today the sun is bursting through a brilliant blue sky. There is something that incredible, that transforming, about being taken through the storms and seeing what God is bringing forth in us. "Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm..." Job 40:6