a time for challenges...

Most of my blog posts focus on our family and events that are meaningful to us. But the reality is, sometimes life isn’t easy. As a Christian, I know that I have many blessings to be thankful for and yet I also know that Jesus never promised me a trouble free life. In fact, he said “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 18:33)

The last month has been eventful, and not in a good way. It all started when one of our most trusted employees turned out to be not so trustworthy. Without going into all the gory details, he stole several thousand dollars from us and left town.

Shortly after, our construction trailer was stolen.

Then Christian’s truck blew a head gasket. Mechanically challenged as I am, I have no idea what that means. But it’s a major fix, an expensive fix, and after working on his truck for nearly a week it still isn’t fixed. This is a huge problem. Not only does Christian need his truck for his business, but since it’s being fixed in front of our house, our driveway is covered with blotches of thick greasy gunk. This is particularly upsetting to me…To Christian, not so much.

Now my car is acting up. Sometimes it will start, sometimes it will not. Today I took Maisie to the grocery store. Once we were ready to leave the car would not start. After about 15 minutes of trying, I began making preparations to walk home. I gathered all our groceries and suddenly regretted buying all the cold and frozen foods that I would have to carry. Once I realized what a problem this was going to be… walking home with a two year old and several bags of groceries, I got back in the car and prayed. On the next try, the car started. I thanked the Lord profusely and quickly drove home!

I know that things could certainly be worse. The reality is, the stolen money can be re-earned with time, the construction trailer wasn’t a necessity, and the cars are just big hunks of metal that will be fixed. Yet, during times like these I can relate to Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” When it seems that the ground is being pulled up all around you, you’d better be still! And, in the end, even though this has not been a fun time, the truth is tough times draw us closer to our maker. The reality that we are not in control is a good thing. I can fully acknowledge if I was in control it wouldn’t take long for me to mess up. So I’m glad that God is in control. The creator of the universe is in charge. I’m just the squeaky little woman in the Albertsons parking lot crying and praying for help. And getting it in her time of trouble!