To everything there is a season….
So much has happened since the last time I posted a blog. My race looks different now, my job situation is different and even my family is different. Nothing could have prepared me for all this change, but knowing the Lord and having this scripture was my anchor through it all.
As you all know I was planning to leave with the fusion team in January 2015. I was so ready to jump in with both feet. But, there was something deep down that said “be patient.” So, I was patient… and then a few months later there was a different route announced that was still a fusion team (one of my most important factors in the race) but it was going to countries that have been on my heart for as long as I can remember! So, I made the switch and I will be leaving in August of this year!
I had already left my job so I wasn’t working (which I was freaking out about) so I was on a mad hunt for a job, scrambling for anything I could find. But nothing was right, nothing fit. Then it happened, the moment that changed everything…. my grandma went into the hospital.
My grandma had been suffering from dementia for several years and my mother had been her caregive for 5 years. The family came in to town to say their goodbyes, and I watched as my mother (who had cared for her all those years) faithfully stood by her to help her finish well. The hospital said that they had done all they could and they were ready to release her. So, as a family we had a decision to make. Do we bring her home on hospice to finish strong or do we send her a skilled nursing home? In that moment I knew…..
I knew that the reason why I had to switch my route and the reason why I couldn’t find a job is so that I could be here for this. We had to bring her home. My grandma had to finish strong, at home, surrounded by the people she loved.
My grandma was home for 6 weeks before she passed away on February 3, 2015. It was my absolute joy, honor and privilege to help my mother care for her as she finished her race and went to be with the Lord. I know that she is celebrating with all the saints and in perfect peace.
This season of my life was not filled with glamour or adventure. In fact it was filled with a lot of unknown, pain, grief and sorrow. But through these changes I experienced a side of my sweet savior I had never known before. More than at any other time in my life I felt “the steadfastness of the Lord never ceases.” When I was tired, he was my strength. When I was broke he was my provider and when I was uncertain he was my assurance.
My encouragement to you all is: to everything there is a season… and in EVERY season the Lord is faithful.
Grandma,
I love you so much and I know that you are in a much better place. Thank you for filling my life with such love, encouragement, prayer and support. Your faithfulness to the Lord is something I will always cling to and admire. I know that you were so excited for me to go on this trip and I look forward to telling you all about it when I see you again one day. You are loved and missed grandma! XO
