Inside: A week that went sideways, a growing list of loves, a favorite Psalm and learning to trust on the cusp of a new season.
I’ve spent the last several days on the couch, resting my way through the various phases of a sickness I’ve not had previously and certainly didn’t expect to get last week.
The coming days likely will bring an uptick in articles about how the world has changed in three years and where we are now and what it all means. I have a few thoughts and feelings about that myself. Right now, though, I’m just grateful that my inevitable turn with Covid has been mostly unremarkable.
I could bemoan my lack of productivity over the last week or wonder where the entire month of February went. Instead, I’ll focus on the task at hand: Joining up with Jennifer Goodwin for another edition of Share Four Somethings. Starting with …
A Few Somethings I’m Loving
Friends who read my writing and offer kind, constructive feedback (sometimes at a moment’s notice). Rainy days (please, God, send more). Homemade versions of products you can easily buy at the store. (Corn tortillas, anyone?)
Coffee with old friends, new friends and in-person friends who were once online acquaintances. Flourless chocolate cake. Daughters who aren’t afraid to try things I never would have done at their age (like emcee the campus talent show, for starters).
Something I’m Reading
My Bible-reading plan has me back in the Psalms, which makes me very happy. Before I got sick, I arrived at the 16th chapter—one of my all-time favorites:
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely. For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures. ~ Psalm 16:5-11
Something I’m Learning
As I think about my family’s future, it occurs to me that we are all on the cusp of a brand new season. Molly graduates from high school soon. Lilly will be a college senior next year. Randy and I will be empty nesters in the fall.
I wonder what’s next, and I notice that many prayers I’m offering for my girls also apply to me. Requests for patience, direction, wisdom, discernment, doors to open (or remain shut), for God’s will to be done, not mine.
This brings the additional realization that almost nothing of significance in my life has ever happened the way I originally imagined it would. Homes we’ve bought and sold. Growing our family. Work opportunities. Losing my parents. The list goes on.
I can trace God’s hand through it all—sometimes with great joy and other times with sorrowful submission. But I can also see that when I’ve drawn up plans for these situations and events—either in prayer, on paper or just in my mind—rarely have those particular outlines been fulfilled.
Recognizing this reality allows me to loosen my clutches on my foggy future and focus on the next step.
Because here’s a truth we can all hang on to: God will work out the details of the coming season how He sees fit.
For me, for my girls, for you—He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He has been faithful in the past; He is faithful still.
Something I’m Eating
My family and I went to a local Indian restaurant recently. The food was OK, but the prices were high, especially given the somewhat sketchy setting.
The experience gave me the desire to see if I could do it better, for less money, at home.
Despite some excessive charring, I was happy with my first attempt at naan. As for the Butter Chicken, let’s just say I’ll definitely be making it again.
• • •
Now it’s your turn. What were the highlights (or lowlights) of February for you? Have you ever made your own corn tortillas or naan? What is your current season of life teaching you? Or, if you prefer, share something else you’re loving, reading, learning or eating these days.
♥ Lois
Maybe it's just me, but almost nothing of significance in my life has ever happened the way I originally imagined it would. Share on X Here’s a truth we can all hang on to: God will work out the details of the coming season how He sees fit. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with sharefoursomethings, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
18 comments
What a great list, even with sickness on it! I hope you’re feeling better and am sorry you had COVID! Thank you for this especially: “God will work out the details of the coming season how He sees fit.” Amen! And it’s been a bit, but homemade empanadas are really fun and tasty!! The naan and butter chicken looks great. : )
Oh Bethany … circumstances vary, but it seems like so many of us are in that spot of waiting and wondering what God is going to do and how things are going to work out. I’m so thankful we can encourage each other in the waiting room. And homemade empanadas sound amazing!
Lois, praying for a speedy recovery from COVID. Wow! Your girls are sure flourishing I appreciate when you share what they’re up to. Good for you trying to make something new, sometimes I try and fail miserably, then there are those off times that it works.
Thank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
Thanks for your prayers, Paula. And for the kind words about trying new things. I’ve had some failures too … I’ve decided that sometimes, it’s OK to dump the whole mess in the trash and come up with a different plan, no regrets! Hugs to you, friend.
I smiled at this one: “Daughters who aren’t afraid to try things I never would have done at their age.” That’s how I feel about my baby girl. She has stepped into positions I wouldn’t have dreamed of accepting at any age, and surely not in my 20s. I’m proud of their courage.
Psalm 16 is one of my favorites too.
I’m glad you are feeling better! I finally had my turn with covid too right before Christmas. The first two days I felt miserable, but quickly felt better, thankfully. Now we’ve got that behind us, for now anyway. 🙂
I feel the same way about my girls, Lisa … they might not think they are courageous, but when I see them doing things I never would have done, I’m so thankful. Plus it gives ME courage to try new things too, which is a lot more fun than I ever would have expected. 🙂
I’m so sad to hear you have been battling covid, Lois. May the Lord strengthen you physically! Making homemade tortillas sounds fun! You are brave to make Indian food, but it’s great that it turned out to be a new family favorite. The Lord is faithful to guide our footsteps in each season, I’m so thankful we can trust Him to both lead us and our children.
I’m thankful for that too, Lisa. Thank you for your kind words, friend.
I always enjoy these 4 somethings that give us a more personal glimpse into one another’s lives.
I like that about them too, Donna. 🙂
I’m sorry you’re dealing with Covid again! Ugh! I feel the same way about February–where did it go???
I make Naan weekly! My family loves it!
Thanks for sharing and linking up at Grace & Truth!
Wow, Kristen … that’s awesome that you make naan weekly! Do you have any tips about skillet temperature? I cooked mine for a lot shorter time than the recipe said and they still were more charred than I had hoped! Good to hear from you this past week. 🙂
What a nice list of loved things. Psalm 16 is one of my favorites, too, especially verse 11. I put that one on graduations cards a lot.
My d-i-l is Indian but didn’t grow up cooking very much. But she has become a great cook. I’m sorry to say, Indian food is not my favorite. But everyone else in the family loves it. Naan bread is probably my favorite. 🙂 She hasn’t ventured into making that since she and Timothy have had to go gluten-free. I learned how to make tortillas as a child when our Hispanic neighbor taught me. But I haven’t tried it since then. (By the way, naan bread makes great mini pizza bases. We get the frozen kind sometimes for that purpose.)
We’re facing a new season of life as my husband plans to retire (not sure exactly when, dependent on a number of factors). I’m a little nervous about the drastic drop in income. But he has planned well and sought financial counsel. I keep reminding myself God has promised to take care of us even unto old age. So we pray for wisdom to make good decisions and leave the rest to Him.
I’m also concerned about having less solitude after he retires….but that’s another story. 🙂
I’m so glad you are feeling better. I struggle with what seems like a waste of time when I am sick. I know resting isn’t a waste–God made our bodies to heal while resting. But when I have so many things I’d like to get done, then can’t, I get frustrated. Nothing to do but go with the flow, though.
Barbara, Psalm 16:11 has been a favorite of mine since childhood. I think Indian food is one of those categories you either like or you don’t. I can understand how your husband’s future retirement would make you feel nervous … that is a huge change in so many ways! You’re right though … “God has promised to take care of us even into old age.” I’m thankful for that–for both of us!
Lois, I am so sorry for your bout with Covid. It hit our family as well – my husband in Dec., my daughter in Jan., and her husband and daughter in Feb. It has been a long haul for them all but we finally turned the corner. Give yourself time to rest and gain energy. And how wonderful you were able to meet Jeanne in person!
This > “God will work out the details of the coming season how He sees fit.” So true and He will be faithful in every season.
Get well, Lois!
Joanne, I’m so sorry that Covid hit your family recently too, and I’m especially glad to hear everyone finally turned the corner. I understand what you mean by that in a way I would not have before … it’s such a weird sickness. Hugs, friend.
I’m so sorry for your bout with Covid, Lois. Please take care and allow yourself rest when you need it! I’ve been thinking a lot of your upcoming empty nest time and how it will be a great adjustment for you and Randy. Remind me again where Lily is going to college? How nice that you could meet Jeanne there! 🙂 Where will Molly be going? What a beautiful pic of your precious daughters! I love your four somethings and how you try new recipes. 🙂 And this really comforts me – “He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He has been faithful in the past; He is faithful still.” Love and blessings of strength in every way!
Good morning, Trudy! Thank you for your kind words about my bout with Covid. I’ve gotten a lot of rest and am feeling a lot better now … I’m very thankful for that! Lilly is at John Brown University and Molly plans to attend there as well. 🙂 Yes, it was so fun to see Jeanne there! Love and hugs to you, dear friend.