As I said, the day after our trailer was robbed, Dan's uncle passed away. Remembering that old wives' tale about bad things coming in threes, I was dreading what could possibly come on Thursday. Dan was travelling to Michigan. Would that be the badness? Would something go wrong?
Ah, worry. You come so naturally to me.
It wasn't the badness.
In fact, no badness came on Thursday. Only goodness came on Thursday. I was meeting with a student regarding academic probation and what had contributed to poor performance. As we talked, I felt led to ask about the student's spiritual life (which rarely happens). The student shared that she didn't have one, but really wanted one. It was a great time to share, to listen, and encourage. I offered that if she was ever interested in learning more, I would be willing to meet with her.
It was such a blessing to my heart. I needed that, on that day, in that week. Too much had happened too quickly to have me doubting our call, our place.
In the past year, two very special men have passed from this life. Shortly after both, I have 'divine appointments' as I like to call them (since they are advising appointments), where students approach me in a position of needing spiritual advice, not just academic. These are opportunities are true gifts - treasures - for me. To have this depth of impact and influence, that is truly special to me.
This is what I imagine happening up in Heaven around this time. Our loved ones go to Heaven and get to have a special meeting with Jesus. During their special one-on-one time with Jesus, He says, "So, F.C.," or "So, Conrad, who would you like to bless today? Who of your loved ones needs special encouragement, to hear from me?"
That's what I imagine. We don't know quite know what Heaven will be like, but based on my recent experiences, I'd like to imagine that as we worship at the feet of Jesus - that we get the opportunity to intercede in prayer for those on earth and to converse with our Lord.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sleepless
Well, it's 4 am here; friends in family in Iowa and Michigan are just starting their days and I am wondering why mine isn't continuing in slumber. This is now the 3rd night of 4 where I have awoken in the early morning hours, unable to get back to sleep. So, I have used the time to pray, to journal, to worry, to read.
Not sleeping when I should makes me anxious. Especially when I am sick - and right now I am recovering from a cold. I took yesterday off to rest and recuperate since yesterday morning I awoke at 2 am and didn't get back to sleep until around 4:30 or so.
Anyway, I didn't really come on here to lament about my present state, but rather to just wonder and commemorate what God has done in the last 6 weeks.
Six weeks ago, our cargo trailer was stolen (which I wrote about in our last blog). The following day, while getting ready for work, we received a call that Dan's Uncle Conrad had passed away. He had fought a long battle with health, and I know that he is now at rest with God. However, that never makes our losses (here on earth) easier to take. He loved to talk about farming, to which I never had much to offer, but I enjoyed listening to Dan and him.
I loved him. He didn't want anyone being bothered about him, or to put any one out (again, like my grandfathers) - and I think that's why I wanted to give him special attention. Everybody wants to be listened to, and that was a gift that I could give.
Dan was able to travel back to Michigan for the funeral. It was really important to us that we go - well, at least one of "we." Conrad was important to and loved by us both; we wanted to recognize his life and acknowledge its importance. We didn't "have" to; we chose to. We honor those in our lives by the time that we give them, in life and in death.
Not sleeping when I should makes me anxious. Especially when I am sick - and right now I am recovering from a cold. I took yesterday off to rest and recuperate since yesterday morning I awoke at 2 am and didn't get back to sleep until around 4:30 or so.
Anyway, I didn't really come on here to lament about my present state, but rather to just wonder and commemorate what God has done in the last 6 weeks.
Six weeks ago, our cargo trailer was stolen (which I wrote about in our last blog). The following day, while getting ready for work, we received a call that Dan's Uncle Conrad had passed away. He had fought a long battle with health, and I know that he is now at rest with God. However, that never makes our losses (here on earth) easier to take. He loved to talk about farming, to which I never had much to offer, but I enjoyed listening to Dan and him.
I loved him. He didn't want anyone being bothered about him, or to put any one out (again, like my grandfathers) - and I think that's why I wanted to give him special attention. Everybody wants to be listened to, and that was a gift that I could give.
Dan was able to travel back to Michigan for the funeral. It was really important to us that we go - well, at least one of "we." Conrad was important to and loved by us both; we wanted to recognize his life and acknowledge its importance. We didn't "have" to; we chose to. We honor those in our lives by the time that we give them, in life and in death.
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