That stinky pile in the corner...

Romans 8:26-30

I often look back and see how God has been orchestrating things to create a single event that can be life-changing! It happened again recently.

First I have to say one thing: I do NOT believe God causes bad things to happen. We can see how God uses bad, evil things to teach us, but He does not cause evil!! We live in a fallen world and there is evil out there and for now, God is allowing it... and He will redeem it all eventually. Right now, in Christ, He has redeemed us, our actions and continues to redeem... for our good!

OK, back to the orchestrating... 

I went to the Dr. last week to address some issues that were beyond ignoring any longer. I'd become (even more) spacey and it was affecting my job. So I went with the intention of looking at possible hormone issues... or vitamin or mineral deficiencies. As the visit progressed though, she realized that my biggest problem is stress. With my thyroid going crazy and its removal, my Dad's health decline and his passing and my husband's betrayal... my health was going in the wrong direction. She put me on Short-term disability/FMLA until October 1st. 

Of course, my first reaction is to feel guilty!! In my eyes this is the WORST time to leave work! We have a major fundraiser coming up next week! (Big eye-roll) God's working on the guilt and I know there's a purpose to the timing of this. I'm only beginning to see it. And one of His purposes came to fruition this weekend.

This summer I hurt my back a bit. Nothing serious, just pinched some nerves while packing and moving. The Dr. gave me some stretching exercises and they've been helping. But it's been tender enough, I wasn't sure I'd be able to walk in the annual Briggs and Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital. It wasn't hurting Saturday morning, so I thought it would be fine. However, we got about a third of the way into the walk and I knew I'd better not push it. So Gwen and I spent the rest of the morning at Starbucks chatting. 

We both needed it!! 

I was able to listen to some things that God had put on her heart and be blessed. He'd given her truths that I needed to hear. And through circumstances and recent interactions with people He'd already been preparing my heart to hear them and receive them.

I am profoundly amazed at my Heavenly Daddy's love for me! He orchestrates, nurtures and protects even in the events and places that we don't think to ask! And abundantly so in those that we remember to ask!!

So... if you happen to see a moldy pile of stinky burdens in the corner by the fireplace in a cute, little Starbucks on Wisconsin Ave in Milwaukee... just ignore them and walk away. I left them there with the help of a sweet daughter who knows how to convey God's messages to a mama's heart! Go order the Salted Caramel Mocha and revel in its delightful salty-sweetness and know that God has so much more for us here AND in Heaven!