Say Something

    I looked at the date today and realized it was time for me to say something.  It's been over a month since I have given any updates, and next week is already going to usher in the month of July.  Time flies... sometimes.  Right now with the end of the school year, the end of a season of dance for the girls, Memorial Day picnics, Mother's Day, Father's Day, June birthdays,  petitioning US Representatives to help waiting families complete their adoptions to China, and a pending vacation just around the corner, I feel like I haven't come up for air in over a month.
  
    With this month of busyness, it is not surprising that I have had a hard time hearing from God.  Have you ever noticed that? When my schedule gets full and the priority of spending time in God's word and in prayer falls to the back burner, God's voice fades into the background.  He doesn't shout over my noise but rather he waits for me to stop running, lay down my other priorities, be still, and listen.  I love this illustration in God's word where the prophet Elijah meets with the Lord on a mountain:
"And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.  And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."  1Kings 19:11-12

    I have also noticed that as I hunger to hear God say something, but hear nothing because my rhythms of stillness and quiet are all out of sorts, I begin to see unhealthy behaviors bubble up to the surface.  Old patterns I have been freed from like cycles of anxiety and worry followed by the need to control every detail sneak back into my days.  Restlessness, an inability to focus, and a lack of joy and peace shortly follow.  

    I read words like Psalm 23:2-3, "He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.  He renews my strength.  He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."  I tell myself, tomorrow I will be less busy, once the kids are done with school and activities we will take a break, when we go on vacation we will relax and find some rejuvenation.  But I know these platitudes won't bring rest, renewal, and peace.  A 24-hour day ends with tasks unfinished, summer breaks come to an end, and sometimes we need a vacation from our vacations.  

    But I also know that in that same chapter in Psalms verse 6 says, "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life."  These momentary battles with the flesh are redeemed when I let God have my whole heart again.  And when I stray, He is pursuing me with love and mercy.  Thank goodness His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).  I don't have to doubt that He will say something to me...when I am ready to listen.  He hasn't moved away, and He hasn't changed.  I've just not made the time to listen for the still, small voice that matters most.  

    Speaking of voices, thank you to all who used their voice to call or write their US Representative to get him/her to sign a bi-partisan letter to the Secretary of State to make resuming China adoptions a priority.  I put out a call for help a few weeks ago, and you all blew me away with your support.  I am told by those involved with the government side of this process that there are no details and timelines yet, but the issue is being elevated and plans are being made for quiet yet meaningful diplomatic follow-up.  

    If I may be bold enough to ask you to use your voices again, it would be to ask you to lift them up in prayer.  So many of you are doing this already, and I am thankful for your faithfulness in praying for Katie and my family.  It blesses my heart to know that when I have failed to be persistent in prayer, because of busy seasons and distorted priorities, that you have not ceased.  Thank you for notes that encourage me, for asking about our adoption, for sharing in our joys and sorrows throughout this whole process.  

Here are some specific prayer concerns:

Missionary friends in China- currently being 2-step vaccinated for COVID, once fully vaccinated they have been told the orphanage will allow them in to visit, please pray that the orphanage director follows through on this promise

  

US Secretary of State and other involved goverment officials- that the letters sent by both the House and Senate would spur on not only diplomatic conversations but action towards addressing China and the need to resume adoptions despite COVID 


Me- to find new spiritual rhythms for summer that leave space for praying, seeking, and listening


"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you."   Luke 11:9


Katie (now 4) holding her birthday gift from us

    

    

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