I like making a plan and following it through, even if it needs tweaking along the way.  I hate seeing my friends in discouraging circumstances, whether physical or situational or emotional, and I feel the need to do something to help or encourage besides pray.  I try to think of any little way I can take care of my husband and meet needs when he’s burdened by a load of work stress.

This week, not one of my plans has come to fruition, despite much tweaking.

I have multiple friends I’d like to help somehow right now, but at the top of the list are several about whom I can do nothing but pray — one heartsick and facing tough decisions; one in the hospital awaiting the results of tests and possible life changes; and two in limbo after a cross-country move, knowing that they heard and obeyed God but wondering what His plan is for their next step.

Between moving and the amount of time he has spent on the phone about work, not sleeping while he works, and staying late at work, I haven’t seen my husband much for the last week.  In fact, it really feels like I’m the only adult around here until everything gets done that needs to happen in the next two weeks.  And I’m most certainly not easing his load, since when he’s home I’m at the other house, or to tired to talk.

And then there are my two sick kids and the boxes everywhere…

Thank you God, that Mason sent encouragement this morning:  “I am often reminded that God didn’t promise to make our lives easier, but that we would endure may difficult things. He loves us more than any other, and sits as a refiner of precious metals. He puts us into the fire just long enough to allow the impurities to rise to the surface and be skimmed away. He knows that too long and we will be damaged, too short and the impurities will remain. One day soon we will be before Him in our glorified bodies, having been prepared by the author and finisher of our faith. May that day come soon!”

Amen!  Today would be a great time.

Copyright 2010 by Tammi Mossman.