Kathilynn and I went to look at another home tonight, which doesn’t look like it will pan out. That’s perfectly ok. I know people are looking for the best in renters…not saying we’re bad, but with the past year we don’t have the credit or history most landlords are looking for. So it does begin to wear on you after a couple dozen attempts with no luck and the timer about to buzz.
So my sweetheart and I decided to focus on the positives and go get our grandson James a book for his second birthday. We take the car to Barnes and Noble and during the drive, feelings came out. Stress, concern, anxiety and a growing measure of fear in not knowing whats going to happen to our family yet again, with no place to move to.
I have to admit that I’m feeling calm in comparison to Kathi this time, knowing that if there are wonderful people like Marvin, Sam and Ila Wight out there, there has to be someone else who would rent to a good, loving family…right? Of course. Even if you cannot see it right away.
Suddenly there’s a laugh from Kathi and then a choke and a tear. She says she heard something remarkable in Church on Sunday. A dear sister we have deep respect for, who said she felt it a great honor to have the challenges of life placed upon her.
I had to chew a little on that. Never heard ‘honor’ brought into such a conversation. Grateful yes, humbled maybe, but not honored. It pierced my heart and then Kathi explained.
“She bore testimony of a voice which told her each and every trial, every pain,…every grand canyon trench of sorrow or suffering she experienced in her life was to prepare her for the joy God wanted to bless her with.”
I must have looked slightly confused for a moment, because she softly placed her hand on my arm.
“Think about it. Those experiences, as painful as they may be, gouge us deeply, to be filled with joy…something we could not experience if our trials were shallow. The blessings would roll off the flat surface.”
I don’t know about you, but it gave me a new found respect and I dare say feeling of honor, that God would permit me to suffer so that I may obtain a deeper degree of joy, humility, meekness and peace. Yes, what an honor…to learn how to walk in greater faith.
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