A New Year, A New Settled

As I wrapped up 2011 I basked in the laughter of my sweet family, the blessing of my beautiful new house, and the “settled” season that was fresh on the horizon. For the past year my loving friends have encouraged me that my rough pregnancy (that kept me bedridden twice), my bumpy transition into life with four littles, followed by the packing and staging of the house for three months, moving out and living with (AMAZING) friends for two weeks with all of our things in their garage until we could move into our own home a week before Christmas, was a “season” and that all of the crazy at some point would pass, giving way to a calmer and less challenging season. I was physically and emotionally ready for this new season.

Enter 2012. Our eight-month-old Spencer contracted chicken pox which left him pitifully unattractive but thankfully cheerful. Then a few days later I discovered lice on the heads of two of my children. Also on mine. Yesterday I went to the doctor for an appointment that I assumed would produce a prescription and instead left with an order for two surgeries that both will result in bed-rest and a long recovery process. I can’t schedule these surgeries until after Tuesday when I find out the outcome of an unrelated medical test. All of my dreams of a settled season in 2012 poofed into oblivion. 

Yesterday I spent a little time crying. I spent a little time being anxious about the financial ramifications of all of these events. I spent a little time being nervous about the unknown results of the test that remains. I spent a little time watching Cowboys and Aliens with Kyle (not everything has to be serious). I also spent a little time reminding myself of the God that I serve and how faithful he is to provide for all of my needs. 

This morning in my daily Bible reading plan I read a Psalm that was so personal and timely, that the Lord could have placed it there just for me, just for today. My heart was renewed. I know that the Lord never promises a peaceful life or a peaceful season, but a girl can hope, right? But today, that’s not what I’ve been given. 

Today, I am taking my spastic heart, my gimpy body, and my freshly lice-treated hair, and hunkering down in my amazingly spacious new home to settle into MY season that the Lord has provided; a season of crazy that I will purpose to be joyful no matter what. 

"The joy of the Lord is my strength." - Nehemiah 8:10

*On a random sidenote: While searching for artwork for my blog entry, I stumbled upon an amazing jewel - the scripture art at the bottom of the post was made by an artist who creates fun, spunky, and just-my-type of art. I was so tickled to find my theme verse in my style, that I immediately ordered it for my home! Check her out @ www.artbyerinleigh.blogspot.com! Thanks Erin!