Do you ever wonder what on earth God is up to? Life brings constant change, doesn’t it? Just when you think you have things figured out, God surprises you again. The unexpected hits you, and you wonder what to expect.
Last summer my family and I returned home to the Middle East after 9 months of living stateside in an unfamiliar city. We could hardly wait to get back to “normal” life. We looked forward to the best tomatoes ever, summer peaches, olive trees, hot glasses of tea, hugging and kissing our friends on the cheek, and laughing for the pure joy of it all.
What we didn’t count on was culture shock all over again, a family member’s struggle with depression, political violence, and a national state of emergency.
When life throws you for a loop, it’s hard to give thanks in the transitions you didn’t plan.
This post is part of Abby’s “Anchored Soul” series, continuing through December.
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I’m linking up with Holly Barrett’s #TestimonyTuesday, Kelly Balarie’s #RaRaLinkup, Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart, Arabah Joy’s Grace and Truth. Check out these communities for more encouragement.
Heading over to Abby’s place!
Oh friend … transitions are never easy, are they. And so many things so quickly crowd round and produce some kind of domino effect, with one thing colliding into the next.
And there He is, in the midst of all the craziness, whispering ‘peace, be still …’
You’re so insightful, Linda. It IS easy to feel that domino effect of “one thing after another” during transitions! But yes, He’s always there, surrounding us.
Betsy, headed over to Abby’s to read the rest of your post. Good stuff. Change is never easy. Someone once recommended to me Joyce Rupp’s book “Praying our Goodbyes.” It has been so helpful during those times of change and transition especially when they are unexpected. Blessed to be your neighbor over at Testimony Tuesday today.
Thanks so much for the tip, Tara. I will check that out. Appreciate it.
Lovely to see you and Abby team up this week, Betsy. 🙂 Wrote you a comment over at Abby’s place, but wanted to take a moment over here too, to let you know I appreciate your words. 🙂 <3
Thanks so much, Brenda. I appreciate you so much too, friend. I’ve peeked at your blog a few times since you last posted!
I can’t wait to read the rest, Betsy. I’m always happy to connect with you.
Such a privilege that you read my words, Marva.
So good, Betsy! Thanks for this.
Blessings and grace to you, Ginger!