He cares . . .

Sometimes I am just walking through life and God surprises me with how much He truly cares for us.  I had the wonderful opportunity to join Joshua in Chicago Thursday-Saturday, May 10-12.  While Joshua attended business meetings I was given a chance to relax and be pampered (I got my first ever pedicure!).  I caught up on sleep, exercised, shopped and read.  Then on Saturday we met up with some of my favorite people!  Friends of ours from our time at Teen Mania.  Our friends Brian and Lindsay Knapp along with Nate and Dana Moore drove down from Kenosha Wisconsin to visit us in Chicago. 

We were able to catch up on life and encourage one another in the Lord.  I am reminded of the kindness of God in allowing these friendships to remain even across the miles.

Then came Sunday, Mother’s Day. . . I must admit I was dreading it.  As many know Joshua and I have been unsuccessful in conceiving a child of our own and some days I do really well trusting God and His timing and other days I just hurt so bad from the desire to have children of my own.  Granted, worship was wonderful and allowed me time to focus my heart on the Lord and his kindness in rescuing me from my sin.  He is good to me!  But that afternoon, alone at home brought tears of sadness.  Sadness of not having any small little feet pattering around my home, no messy faces to wipe, and no homemade cards, and no one saying, “Happy Mother’s Day.”  By God’s grace and the encouragement of friends (thanks Ellen) and my husband I made it through the day and was able to focus on the Lord and not myself. 

Then on Monday I had just picked Carson (the 3 year old I nanny) up from preschool and we were sitting down to lunch when he turned to me and said, “Happy Mother’s Day Bethany!”  Oh what emotion filled my soul!  Of course Carson realizes that I am not his mother, but the innocence of a 3 year old saying those words to me brought such joy to my heart.  God does care. . .He does know the pain I sometimes feel, and He uses 3 year old little boys to show that love to me! 

The Lord will hold me close, The Lord rules over the floodwaters.  I trust in the Lord.  I am overcome with joy because of Your unfailing love.  For You have seen my many troubles and You care about the anguish of my soul.  I am trusting You, O Lord, saying, “You are my God.  My future is in Your hands!  Your goodness is so great!” (excerpts from Psalms)