I've been reflecting on things lately. Reminiscing. I purged like crazy and went through every single thing we own including pictures. It has made me both sad and joyful. Sad because of the fact that my kids are no longer tiny and squishy, and filled with inexpressible joy at the things we have had the privilege of experiencing, both good and bad. Yes, even the the bad.
Shane recently celebrated his 2 year anniversary with his design firm. Those of you who have been around awhile know that when the economy tanked that the construction field and everything related to it (like architecture) was hit very hard that we struggled with unemployment for almost 4 years off and on. It was a difficult time. I am reminded of the many, many emails I received from all of a lot of you. I even got cards in the mail. You encouraged me, prayed for me, and shared your own stories. You lifted me when I was sagging.
I was doing dishes a couple of weeks ago while listening to one of my favorite artists, Hilary Weeks, and I glanced over and noticed this plant was growing new roots. Awhile ago I was repotting a houseplant that had gotten too big for its pot. I was using a butter knife along the edge to loosen the soil. I accidentally cut off this part of the plant. I could have just tossed it out, but I knew if I soaked it in water that it would grow new roots and could be planted again.
I teared up as thought of how this is like us. Sometimes we are broken, feeling cut off, separated or alone. Feeling like there is no hope. I have been there. It hurts. Not just with the job loss but other things like losing my dad to cancer, disappointments, health issues. But I also know that if we immerse ourselves in the "living water", we can be made whole again. We can find hope and be planted again. Maybe in a new spot, but we can grow again and thrive. I know so many of you are going through some hard things. I want you all to know that you can find hope in Christ.
John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
I know this is a departure from what I normally write about, but I felt impressed to share. I hope you find comfort during your trying times. I love you guys :)
Have a great weekend.
Beautiful! laura
Thanks. You're an inspiration to me in so many ways.
Beautiful, and just what I needed to hear.
Thanks for sharing this! I really like the idea of just immersing or soaking in the Living water when we are feeling "cut off" to be revitalized, "find hope" and "be planted again!" Just what I needed to hear....it's so easy to just let myself get discouraged instead of letting myself find that water and grow new roots.
That was beautiful. My daughter and her husband went through a tough struggle back ( I believe around 2008) around that time. They owned a Marble business and he ended up losing the business and a lot of hard earned money. However I remember seeing this young man with the Bible in front of him. To this day , yes, he has been re- planted and doing very well. We have an amazing God.
I needed this today. I work with a woman bully in my office and sometimes I just can't let it roll off my back. Thank you!
Thank you for such a great post. I feel lifted up just by reading it. Bless you, Stacy.
Lovely post - in different ways last few years have been a real upheaval (and scary) but does finally feel those new roots are growing.
Stacy, big hugs !!
That's a lovely illustration, and just what I needed to read today. Thank you.
I discovered your blog a week or so ago. I love you and your writings. Thank you for today's blog. Your writings about the Living Water came at a needed moment. Thank you. You will be in my prayers.
Thanks for sharing that.
I just want to say thank you. I have been feeling separated and crushed but reading this was like sipping the Living Water.
I needed this message today. Thanks so much!