Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Trouble

We had some really, truly horrible news yesterday. I don't care to go into details now, but suffice it to say that my husband is again unemployed. The church position which was given to him, was taken away again. Any of you who have ever been on the receiving end of ugly church politics, understand. It's very sad, and we're are: heart-broken, shocked, disappointed, anxious, a little angry. Yep -- a very bad day.

And the big, painful knot in my stomach tells me that, regardless of how I try to tell myself to relax and not stress, it's not working. My stomach always knows better.

So I'm trying something else. I'm gonna try being thankful. I'm gonna turn my eyes away from the awful truth of that bad news, and get a new perspective (at least temporarily) by thinking of the blessings I do have.

1. A wonderful marriage. Adam and I love each other more fully and more dearly now than we ever have. This is a huge gift, and one with which almost any trouble is endurable. And going through this trial together, cuts the burden in half for each of us. It's true.

2. Children -- four of them, who are healthy, bright, and generally good. I'm so thankful that they are supportive of us during times like these.

3. Homeschooling. Next year it will only be Julia, but it is a joy, and it keeps me focused on something specific and material, each day. I have her books already for next year, and it's a great comfort to me to know that, no matter where we are, or what we're doing this fall, I have her schooling in hand.

4. Beauty. When my eyes are glazed with sadness, I need to blink and clear them, and see the glory of sunshine, forests, flowers, smiles, music. Even in disaster, beauty quietly accompanies us through life.

5. Support. What a support group I have! Parents, siblings, in-laws, friends near and far. I recently had a birthday, and I had about 140 separate birthday greetings on facebook alone. That's crazy. I have friends, such friends. And they pray such prayers. I know this strengthens me, and moves God to action on our behalf.

6.  A God with a Plan. What is the plan? I don't know. But how horrible it would be to live life thinking there was no plan -- just random happenings and desperate control efforts on my part. Frankly, I don't know what's going on, particularly today. But He does. If that sounds trite, I should add that we've been in this situation numerous times. God always comes through, usually in the most astounding ways.

That's all I can say for now. We're still trying to grapple with the shock we feel. Prayers are appreciated.

9 comments:

Pom Pom said...

Oh, my prayers are with you, MK. I will pray RIGHT NOW for swift fixing.

Sharon said...

Mary Kathryn, recently I signed up for Joni's daily devotionals. I highly recommend them. They are an encouragement every day of the wk. Here is the link:
http://www.joniandfriends.org/daily-devotional/
Love you, Sharon

Sarah said...

My dad is an OP pastor, and we definitely went through some painful times in past years. I'm sorry to hear your news but thankful for your thankful list! By the way, we are birthday buddies.....meant to post on your birthday entry!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you are back where you were without a job. It is very hard to remain positive when something like this happens. And for me it's hard to even remember to be thankful. But I'm learning--while I'm scratching these annoying hives--to be thankful and choose joy. Didn't you have a blog post about that one time? After going to Calvary Baptist in Eau Claire last Sunday, I think I'd make a good Baptist!!! LOL!

Praying for you, MK.

~karen s./NW Wisconsin

Donna said...

Mary Kathryn we are in prayer for you as well. We will continue to hold you up in prayer. Our Soverign God knows all things though and doesn't close one door without opening another. It is so hard to be patient though while we wait on His timing. Please know we are thinking and praying for you.

GretchenJoanna said...

I'm so sad to hear this. But of course, in spite of those things we feel in the pits of our stomachs, we have good reason to be thankful and content, as you affirm.
There is a Scripture song that comes to mind, from Hebrews, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I'll not fear what man shall do unto me."
Do you know that song? I will pray/sing it for you. I guess the bottom line is, we have The Lord Himself. God bless you all!

Carolyn said...

Oh! MK! I'm at a loss for words. Just struck by the contrast between God's faithfulness and goodness and man's...well...NOT. I love you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this...broken fellowship is one of the deepest heart-pains in the Christian life. Praying for you all.
Love,
Selah

M.K. said...

Dear friends -- It's taken me a while to get back and reread this post and your sweet words. I just want to say thank you for your prayers, and for your song, GJ :) God is faithful and supports us each day. We're trusting him to show us the next step.