Monday, November 14, 2011

Awhile Ago

How long is awhile ago to you? I have a habit that drives my husband crazy and I will say blah, blah, blah happened a few days ago when in reality it could have been 6 months or more ago. If I say awhile ago, am I talking about a few minutes, a few days and then what is my definition of 'awhile?' It is funny how we define time with no definite time lines.

So, with that said...awhile ago (before school was out so mid to late May), there was a beautiful home with a large yard for sale up the street from us and I fell in love with it. The yard would have been perfect, the driveway wasn't shared, it had a huge basement with a canning kitchen and a cold cellar, a large kitchen and the owner knowing we were raising our grandchildren was willing to let us move in and they would finance.

However, what I hadn't seen in my exuberance, hubby did see. The bedrooms in the basement had 10' tall walls with tiny windows that were up at about 8' and the only heat in the basement would have been via the large fireplace. Right away hubby turned it down based on the fact if I fire would ever break out, no one would be able to: A- make it to the windows & B-make it out of the windows.

Then came the questions about wiring as our old home has Knob and Tube and it becomes brittle over the years and breaks and then becomes a fire hazard. I don't know if the owner really did not know about it or she was dancing around the issue, but as the owner and realtor and someone who knew all about everything in that house...hubby felt she was dancing around the issue.

After praying on both sides (the realtor is a Christian woman) and offers being lowered, we had to turn it down. Both of us agreed we could not put the kids in harms way in the basement. At that time, God told me, 'don't worry, I have other plans for you.'

The job offer came through, I worked for 8 weeks, earned by CBD in medical dispatch, was excited when they told me only one ear had to hear at 8000 Hrz at 25 Dcb or below and my left ear does. Devastated 2 days later when they gave me my letter of termination for hearing loss.

'Don't worry, I have other plans for you.' Saturday at church everyone was happy I was back home. Now, I don't believe they were happy I lost my job, but my pastor has always felt I belong in Grays Harbor.

Awhile ago I began reading and finished this morning the book of James and my eyes were opened to so much of Gods word in this small 5 chapter book. I know it was His perfect timing when I chose that book to read and I know it was His perfect timing when I took the job I had for just a few short months.

One thing I remember profoundly in James is to remember to rejoice in our trials because the battle has already been fought and won on the cross. This week as the devil has been sitting on my shoulder and whispering in my ear...'now what are your going to do?' or 'there goes that job.' I have taken to telling him to get behind me, leave me alone, this battle has been won and I end my conversation with, 'can I remind you satan of your future?'

Live for today (I am trying to remember this Jerry and John) and don't worry about tomorrow as it is already written and it may not show up.

Will we find another home? Yes, I am believing God will provide. Will I find another job? Yes, but it may be in an area other than emergency dispatch. 'Will we make it?' We always have and for that, I am so thankful to God. Go out and when you feel lifes walls caving in, remember, 'Awhile Ago, you read this amazing post!'

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I dont even know what to say. I am glad your faith carries you thru...I am just sick of problems myself.....You are stronger than I am!

Anonymous said...

Your post made me cry. Our God is so amazing...so full of awesome love for us. I have learned that the trials that seeem so hard while we're working and walking through them help to get us to that perfect place God wants us...He truly does work things for our good. (Romans 8:28) Sometimes the good takes a while to get here...and so often it takes our human eyes a long time to see God's hand on every detail...but praising God we can be sure He is with us all the way...He never leaves us. Never forsakes us. He is always good.

I am so glad we continue to cross paths in blogland...I pray God gives you the desires of your heart.

oxo Judy

Quiltingranny said...

Melinda, just remember God has plans for you as well and loves you so much. I am praying for you and will never stop!