Our Journey Continues - Finding Our Place
This past week has been both productive and good, starting out as what we thought would be a less crowded week, but quickly filling with appointments, errands, phone calls, and best of all, a few meals with friends who have blessed us beyond measure with their love and kindness. Stan was also able to get in for a sleep study, as his doctors are hopeful there is help available to enable his heart to rest at night as well, which will aid in the healing process. This was a great answer to prayer, and once again, we've found ourselves extremely thankful.
Stan’s color has greatly improved, his stamina continues to increase, and his voice is returning back to its strong soothing state, as it had become increasingly weak over these past months. Now that he is improving, I am realizing we had no idea just how sick he was prior to this discovery of cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Looking at photos taken from just 6 weeks ago, he looked downright gray. I am confident we will never dismiss symptoms in either of us ever again!
Best of all…we’re starting to laugh again. I’d forgotten how much laughter is a part of our relationship, until I realized it had escaped both our hearts and our home. I guess we just became so entangled with all of the news and changes that we let laughter slip away. But thankfully, it has returned and we’re determined to not let it go again.
This past week, someone commented to Stan in regards to his temporary disability, “How can you stand not working and ministering during this time?” Stan’s reply? “I’m in a marathon, not a sprint. We know we have to take care of this so that I’m good for the long haul.” That being said, as we find ourselves in this temporary “holding pattern,” a position in which most of us would rather not be, I am realizing more than ever that it’s not a holding pattern at all, but rather an intensive season of learning, schooling, restoration and preparation, positioning us for what God has in store for us personally, as well as in ministry.
Recently I was a bit taken back when I came across Proverbs 27:8: “Like a bird that wanders from its nest, is a man who wanders from his place,” prompting the question…What is my place, Lord? What is my place when the terrain which normally seems so predictable, yet productive, looks completely different, causing me to scratch my head in bewilderment? When nothing seems familiar, causing me to wonder where I am, how do I keep from wandering? When expecting or predicting what the future looks like is impossible, what do I do and where do I go?
It was then that I realized our PLACE had actually been made abundantly clear…as in this season, more than ever, our PLACE is in His presence. During this trial, we have been given the privilege of PLACING our complete trust in Him; PLACING His Word in our hearts; resting in a PLACE of peace in Christ Himself; and rejoicing from a PLACE of confidence that can only be found in the presence, power and ability of Almighty God. We've decided to chose daily to take the PLACE He has given us as His children - a PLACE of incredible intimacy, transforming and preparing us for the new PLACE He has destined for our future.
This realization disables me from comparing my journey or position with those I secretly admire, with all of their productivity and influence. I can no longer measure what I am “doing” with their current accomplishments, as I realize that God’s current journey for me (and Stan) is to be with Him, seeking Him out as our Healer, Provider, King, Lord, Deliverer, Protector and Friend.
Upon this reminder, my heart changed. I’ve found myself experiencing a greater depth of gratitude and thankfulness, truly counting it pure joy for the trial in which we’ve found ourselves. What a privilege we have to be in this place of experiencing all of who God is, seeing Him in action each and every day, working the miraculous on our behalf. “Temporary disability” may seem like a death sentence to some, but we are choosing to view this place not as an end, but the birthing pains of a new beginning… a privilege, as we are being given the precious gift of trial, transformation and renewal by the only One who can work such a miracle – Jesus Christ.
My prayer for you, if you find yourself in a position of “temporary disability” of sorts, is that you too experience the blessing and privilege of this new PLACE. May you both desire and be transformed by Jesus Christ in a way that would otherwise be impossible. May you find a great hope and excitement for the days ahead, as you anticipate God both preparing and positioning you for your future. May you be blessed in the trial and grateful in the tribulation. And may your house be full to overflowing with laughter in the midst of your journey.
We cannot thank you enough for your love, kindness and partnership in prayer as we undertake this unexpected “adventure.” We love and appreciate you immensely! Our prayer is that God pours out His most abundant blessings upon you and your family during your season.
Much love,
Cammie
