Family-God's Way

Where I'm at: Same spot as last night! (on the couch)
Weather: Clear, 65 degrees outside/inside - just right.
Noises/Sights: Nothing special to note.
Mood: Enlightened and In Awe of My God

As my pattern this week has been, I went for a hike and talked with God. Memorized my third verse:

Merciful Lord, restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." Psalm 51:12

I'm amazed at my God. Once again, He has come through - not only for me, but for another sister in Christ. I'm in a Bible study with her and another girl friend. It's an intense one - and we've all shared some hard stuff about our past and our current struggles. And there has been some challenges along the way (to say the least!). We faced one of those challenges today - and for the first time since we started this study, I get what it's all about. I've been thinking, it's all about the study, the subject matter, "Shattering Your Strongholds" (that's the book, were doing). But it is so much more. My friend, my com padre, my sister in Christ, helped me see that tonight. It's about family. Christ's family, community in Spirit, oneness in Christ, supporting one another, building each other up, loving one another, seeing each other through the hard times, rejoicing in each others joys, crying for each others sorrows.

God gave me an awesome friend - who in her brokenness, is boldly stepping out into new, terrifying territory so she can find healing. And in the process, is bringing healing to me. I fought her on it - she'll tell you I did! It's not that I don't want "family"or "community" - I just want it on it my terms. God must shake His head at me so much. My terms? Ha! Thank you, Lord, for bringing this friend in to my life. I'm so grateful for her perseverance. I'm thankful for her cows.<: Giver her peace, security, love, hope and healing. I know, God, You can do this all on your own - and yet, you entrust us with each other - to teach us how to be a family and in community. I almost, didn't get that. But she did - in fact, she's gotten it all along.

I feel a change in the air - a shift in the wind. A new day has dawned. And it is good to be a part of Your family.