Glancing Back

Proverbs 3:5-6:

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

I can’t help but think of this verse, as I reflect on that fact that we have now been back in Michigan for a month! To look back at what the past month has all entailed, it has taken trust and made me realize that God’s timing truly could not be more perfect. That is why we can never lean on our own understanding!

We still miss the people of Minnesota and always will. We will always call them our family and friends in Minnesota. Our journey there was one of joy, refreshment, perspective, and new beginnings. Now being in Michigan, I can see all the more clearly why God brought us out there, but also why God brought us back here.

Over the past month, we have taken many wrong turns on the road, but are learning to adjust to a “new” area, have done a number of house projects, taken a family vacation with Dan’s family, relaxed in our pool, and have come to terms that my heart issues have come to a head. Like we said yesterday, this summer is going to be unlike any other!

It is no mistake that God brought us back to Michigan the month He did. He knew my heart needed fixing and He knew I couldn’t live life like this forever. As the days go on, I too, feel the same way and truthfully can’t wait til my ole ticker is fixed. Being short of breath just isn’t for me :). I do not like to be slowed down and of course surgery will do a number on that, but I look incredibly forward to the day when I can keep up with Mazy and not have to sit and rest. Just yesterday, I was doing nothing out of the ordinary, but my body had just said enough for a few minutes. It’s just time.

I have done much reflecting on what an open heart surgery will mean over the past 2 days, since I know what is coming, and there will be some really tough weeks. But like I said before, they are just all part of the plan. I still have a hard time imagining not being able to care for and hold Mazy, and having to tell her that, as she looks at me with those sweet blue eyes. But this too, shall pass. My broken bones, cuts, and torn muscles, will heal. They are part of my story. As Dan has said often, he doesn’t even see my first open heart surgery scar anymore, but it’s all part of the plan. All part of OUR story.

The past month has meant many phone calls, paperwork to fill out, and drives, but this is what I have time for. Isn’t that just not God, once again? When an appointment gets scheduled, I immediately panic thinking “who is going to watch Mazy” but then I remember that our families are right here, ready and willing. That doesn’t mean we did not have that in Minnesota. In fact, we know we would have had the same help there (and we did!) God knew we needed our parents though, at a time such as this. My parents have been through this before with me, which honestly has been such a blessing.

A very unconventional summer for us, but a summer that we will surely remember! A summer that we have spent much time reflecting on already, remembering what our summers in Minnesota were like, but now creating new memories here. A summer where we have fallen in love with a house and location that we could not have hand-picked better ourselves. A summer where we have been reconnected with others, while meeting new friends. A summer that seems to be nothing short of crazy, but a summer for the books.

I am sure you have had seasons of life that just seem a bit chaotic. But during those time, do you find yourself looking back on the past, but also eager for the future? If so, all we need to do is trust. Lean on Him and not on what we know. Keep following and pursuing Him, and He will make things clear. Thanking God today, for words filled with much peace, encouragement, and hope!