The ground feels shaky at the moment.
I’m attempting to maintain my posture and balance as I navigate the bumpy sensation. As I walk to my left, my routine visits with my neighbor have ceased. He passed away a month ago and changes to his homestead are in progress. A new landscape has emerged and pebbles stream the driveway as I walk over to chat with his family.
To my right, another neighbor’s house remains uncomfortably quiet. our beloved neighbors who we regarded as family have moved away. The normal signs of life abounding around their home are absent. No toys greeting me as I stride toward the backdoor. No blades of grass crushing beneath my bare feet as I walk over to ask her a question or tell my son to come home for dinner.
And here in my own home? My feet pace the floor as I engage conversations about the future. My youngest begins the journey to high school. My oldest prepares for his second year of college and my middle tries to recognize the reality that she graduates next year. And in the midst of it all, my husband interviews for jobs. He was laid off in March.
I, myself, contemplate where I’m headed next year. My own set of decisions lie before me.
The ground feels shaky at the moment. But, I can’t complain. I prayed for it.
I prayed for my neighbor as he battled the reality of his body deteriorating.
I prayed for our other neighbors who sought discernment regarding their future.
I pray for my kids as they develop into the new seasons that God has been preparing them for. I wait with anticipation to see how their skills and passions take flight in God’s Kingdom.
I prayed for my husband to find peace as he navigated challenging work situations. God answered. He was released to move toward a new opportunity.
The cracks in the Earth will not swallow me. My feet will remain steady. I am not alone.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
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Shaky ground — oh, yes, I can identify. We’re in such different places, you and I, and I recognize some of my past in your present (ironic, give our word) . Yes, you’re on shaky ground right now, and there’s no doubt that some of that shaking isn’t the pleasant type. I’ll be praying for your husband to find employment that is right for him and for you as you make decisions. At the same time, some of the vibrations in your life herald exciting things for you and those you love. Enjoy every moment, jiggling and joggling and all. 🙂 (your Five Minute Friday neighbor)
Patti, “some of the vibrations in your life herald exciting things for you and those you love.” What a hopeful perspective! Thank you!
Oh how I hate that I didn’t proofread more carefully! English teacher that I am, I have to say “give” should have read “given”. lol
I love your optimism through prayer, friend. You recognize this all as a blessing and I admire you greatly for it. I know it hurts and I’m sorry for the losses. I’m humbled to know what blessings abound from this. Sending love and hugs through your weekend. #fmf
Your family and friends are so very fortunate, Stephanie, to have your warm and steadfast soul in their lives.
And so are we, here in FMF-land.
#1 this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/06/your-dying-spouse-318-pain-glory-and.html
Thank you Andrew! I’m still in process as we all are. Bearing God;s image comes only when I am intentional about being connected to Jesus.
Hi Stephanie. I admire you for visiting your neighbors…I live in the country, so it’s not as easy for me. Kudos to you for addressing all the shaky ground issues in prayer! Visiting from #fmf
Sarah, we feel blessed to have ours. Although at one point, there were some neighbors that made me go to my knees in prayer many times 🙂 Ironically, our beloved neighbors moved to the country. They will reap new and different blessings.
Your friends are so blessed to have a prayer warrior like you fighting with them. <3 I'm sure that it means a lot to them knowing that you have their backs and are fighting alongside them.
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite Bible verses. It's so comforting to know that God has plans for me and no matter what hardships I am walking through, God will us them for my good and His plans.
Sue, We were fortunate that our neighbors that moved were also Christians. We all could look at it from a Kingdom perspective. Thanks for stopping by.
My ground feels shaky too friend. Thanks for writing a piece that truly spoke to my heart. Something holy about knowing one is not alone. I’m in the 96 spot this week.
I’ve been thinking about you friends. Memories of my own experience leaving a youth pastor position came flooding back. I, too, had no next step. It’s possible to feel peace in your heart and unsteady legs at the same time.