This will be short–I think that as Heidi’s arrival comes closer my brain continues to incrementally shut down. At 39 weeks, It is hardly functioning now. BUT, the house is clean, the taxes are done, and her newborn clothes are folded in the drawers! Yes, nothing like delivering a child to ground us to the nitty gritty details of life. I wish I could say I’ve done some in-dept Bible studies brimming with spiritual wisdom, but mostly I’ve just focused on taking a walk every day, giving Dutch special attention, and making sure the house is ready to show just in case I’m in the hospital the next time it does! Earthly things…but necessary, I guess.
But tonight’s message, from Colossians 3:1-11 was perfect for my heart. Today began in the most amazing manner, with the most encouraging, edifying, affirming, wonderful baby shower with my church sisters. I left soaring. Then our day got tossed around a bit by unexpected things, which kept Dutch from his nap and threw me for a loop, and then a little bit of discouraging news on our own trying-to-sell-houses front, and quite frankly I just felt like all the encouraging air that’d been pumped into my heart was pricked with the discouragment pin and seeped out as quickly as it came.
(I have no idea why but I cannot make the rest of the post “un-italicize”…and I’m too tired to go ask Jeff. Just pretend like it’s REALLY emphasized and go with it. You can’t expect perfection when I’m this pregnant, right?)
But God. First, He reminded me of His provision. The one thing I really wanted for this second baby was a double stroller–a good jogging one that I can use every day and take everywhere. They’re not cheap. But these amazing church ladies all pitched in together and made a HUGE dent in the cost of my absolute dream jogging stroller at REI. I was amazed. And as I sat in Heidi’s room and folded her new clothes and tucked my REI gift cards into an envelope; I felt God impressing on my heart perhaps…He’s taking care of us one day at a time. Today I have all that I need (and so much more!). Today He’s provided clothes, housing, an AMAZING dream-come-true job at a church that I LOVE, a healthy baby…everything we could possibly need! And, AND, even a jogging stroller. A pure luxury. A kiss from Him, given through the generous ladies at my church. Why worry about the needs of tomorrow? Today we have all we need. Secondly, tonight in Colossians 3 He reminded me to “set my mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Oh Jesus help me to do this! So often (SO often!), I feel like my mind and thoughts revolve around the stuff of life–finances and house and medical insurance and doctor’s appointments and cleaning and laundry. Those things aren’t bad–(we know there is no sacred and secular right?!). But it’s one thing to do the things and it’s another to be consumed by them. And Lord please help me, too often I am consumed with this desire for a settled, secure, and comfortable life. But my spirit longs for things above; Lord consume my mind with things above. I have a feeling this is the most scattered post I have ever written. It’s approaching 10pm and I am absolutely and utterly exhausted from this full and wonderful day. I’ll do my best to keep writing, and I’ll keep you posted on Heidi’s arrival. I’d love prayer for her safe delivery! Thank you and goodnight.One thought on “Things Above”
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Kari,
I liked your post. 🙂 I don’t expect perfection from you…even if you are not 9 months pregnant with life weighing you down. You are doing what you need to do to draw closer to God, and isn’t that the best you can ever do? The reason we were put here on this earth? To seek a true relationship with God? So keep up the great work…it is so refreshing to hear a person be a real person. 😉 By the way, I’ve been praying and will keep praying for Heidi…and really the 2nd plus deliveries are so much better than the first. (At least from what I know.) Hugs!