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Life sometimes takes us by storm. It blows in on us like the West Texas sandstorm that barraged us this week with 60 mph winds that ripped off roofs, downed lines and trees and covered highways and houses (yes houses) with blowing tumbleweeds. It often leaves behind a mess to deal with just like my garage that was full of leaves that blew in and sand that made its way into every window and door of our home. I swept up the leaves, vacuumed up the dirt and washed the car. While the dust is still settling from that storm I know that as we enter the month of March, there is a promise of more wind on the horizon. Very soon I will need to once again, sweep up the leaves, wash the car and vacuum up the dust and dirt. It's just what we do around here this time of year. What takes nature minutes to do, takes us days to clean up. I find that life is a lot like that lately. It comes too fast and it passes too slow.
"Mom, I'm pregnant." In the time it took to Melanie to breathe those words out, life as I knew it changed. My thoughts raced ahead as I chased after them futilely trying to just be in the moment. Sometimes the words "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself", totally escape my mind. I start trying to solve all the problems before they even take form. The information of new life on the way came at me fast but the 9 months it actually takes that life to arrive is SO slow.
"May I marry your daughter?" That one question took Thomas mere seconds to ask but once again life as I knew it has changed. Thomas and Lauren will be marrying in what we consider a relatively short amount of time to plan a wedding. After the proposal we shifted into an unknown gear that I'm sure is only available on the space shuttle. Securing the church, the reception venue, and the date became an urgent task. The dress is ordered and as it turns out in the nick of time. We've viewed wedding invitations and discussed music. We've worked on menus, talked to photographers and discussed flowers and decorations. It's an exciting time but I know that once the initial flurry slows it will pass slow as we wait for the day.
Dad has cancer. Oh no! Not the "C" word again. Our lives were rocked 14 years ago with my diagnosis. Hearing those words sort of makes everything shift into slow motion. If you've ever walked that path you know exactly what I mean. You wait for the diagnosis, you wait for the next appointment, you wait for the next test, you wait for surgery, you wait for the sickness to subside, you wait to feel better, you wait, and wait and wait. Your life changes in an instant. Gary's dad's news came at us fast but the treatment and recovery will pass slow for us all.
Yes, life comes at us fast. Sometimes it brings joy and excitement and sometimes it brings anxiety and fear of the unknown. I am thankful that I walk by faith and not by sight. I am thankful that God goes before us and will never leave us nor forsake us. I am thankful for a God who sees me and loves me and will tend to my every need. I'm thankful that I have the courage to face tomorrow because my savior lives! Let the storm howl and the dust choke out the sunlight. Let the moments that change my life flash with the speed of lightening and rage with untold fury. Let each day tick by slowly as I seek His will and sweep away the doubt and fear. Come at me fast and pass slow. With dust pan in hand, I'm standing on the ROCK!
I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8
My inspiration and loves!
Lauren Elizabeth, Crystal, Lindsay, Emily, Melanie, Lauren Beth
