Rest in Hope

Yesterday evening was not a good evening. But looking at the glass half full, and with a renewed spirit in the morning, I learned some things from it. I learned at how easy it is, for me, to put on faces, and I was reminded of the extreme importance of being faithful. My situation right now, is calling for faith, dilligence, and more faith. And while I am called daily to that, there is also a measure of responsibility that I hold to do my part. To hope. That means BELIEVING in what I am asking for. I can't just go through my daily devotions saying, "ok, God, here I am asking for the same thing.... peace, comfort, joy in this new scenario... now please deliver!" My part is to look at the glass half full, TRY to see the positives, and then see God work.

This past week, Jared and I haven't wanted to do much. It's a bit hard for us hearing people say, "go explore! Hope you're having fun exploring your new city! Etc, etc." We haven't really wanted to. We haven't seen a lot of each other, we had no weeekend as there were scrimmages, football media days, and exhibition games Jared had to attend all day Saturday and Sunday, and so the time we do have in the evening, all we want to do is BE.

I struggled with wanting to blog about the beautiful lookout at Barboursville park, go take some mountain pictures, hike the park, go to Pullman Square down by the river and big bridge, take pictures of Jared doing "his stuff" in his cute polos, and essentially "put on a face" that we are getting out - doing things - experiencing everything this city has to offer - and not struggling one bit.

But last night I realized that would have been a face. It's not how we have been feeling. And if I'm called to be faithful and yet hopeful, I need to be real about our situation. We are doing ok, but I've been struggling in the hope department. 

So I'm trying to be hopeful. And I can't even begin to share how many ways Jared and I have already seen God's faithfullness. Please don't get me wrong, He has amazed us in ways that we have been BLOWN away by, already. But we definitely are still having moments.

So I promise the "adventure blogs" will come. But for now, Jared and I are just "being." And it's so good to be together. Jared doesn't like the word "homesick" so take this analogy: I'm craving thanksgiving dinner. Jared is my turkey, and mom and dad, friends, the twin cities, our favorite spots, knowing where I am, etc, are all the "extras." Cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole. (yum.) I'm SO thankful for the turkey, but I'm really missing all the sides - I mean it's thanksgiving! BUT, say Jared was the one gone.... there is NO WAY I could enjoy "thanks-anything" without the turkey! I am beyond words thankful for Jared and his strength in this new stage of life. But right now I'm really missing the sides. That was last night.

Rest in Hope - "Yes, my soul finds rest in God alone, my hope comes from Him." I am so echoing the psalmist, "though sorrow may last through the night, rejoicing comes in the morning." His mercies are new every morning.... GREAT is His faithfullness!

So, the adventure blogs will come. There are some cool things to show here. :) It's just not time yet. Thank you for your prayers!!!