TheoThoughts

Back in April, I wrote about some personal happenings regarding a godly gentleman that entered my life. Even though no formal commitment had yet been made, I truly believed that the Lord was finally answering some long standing prayers for a husband. And not just any church going man, but one whose whole orientation was living out a life “in Christ” and who would love, value and appreciate me.

Well, turns out I was right. In August, Evan proposed marriage and our wedding date is set for January 26, 2019. It’s turned out to be a bigger wedding than I would have anticipated but I think it’s also fitting for the celebration and God’s hand of redemption in our lives. I positively love how encouraging our story has been to singles, especially older ones who wonder if love will ever happen for them. This man has been looking and waiting a very long time and at 65, it’s finally happening. For me also, it’s a testament to God’s ear that was inclined towards my prayers and his hand of provision. It’s a needed reminder for other areas of my life where I get discouraged in wondering how things will pan out.

Needless to say, my hands are pretty full right now. Evan lives in Roanoke, VA so that will mean relocation for me right after the wedding. With so much to accomplish regarding wedding planning, moving (and purging my apartment of all the junk I’ve accumulated over the past 10 years) and conducting a job search, this also means my writing will have to take a back seat for awhile. Unless some flash of inspiration hits me, I don’t think I’ll be producing any more blog posts for another few months.

I’ve always been a person who has adapted to change quite well. But even with that disposition, change still brings with it some uneasiness and apprehension. There is something unsettling about uncertainty especially if you’re like me, and let your mind ponder all kinds of scenarios that can go wrong. One transition that I’ve definitely found a bit unnerving is my 21 year old son who still lives with me, being on his own. He’ll be moving in with friends and completely independent being 1,100 miles away from mom. While deep down, I know he’ll be fine just as I was when I made that transition away from home, I still have moments of worry. Just to throw a wrench in the works, he lost his job in October and is hunting for another one. So many prayers have gone up that the Lord will provide something soon.

To be honest, it’s thrown me for a loop considering his transition was the one thing I had the greatest apprehension and worry about. But then I have to keep reminding myself that I serve a sovereign God who sees every concern and has promised to meet every need. Scripture itself is so full of characters who faced change and uncertainty yet forged ahead under the banner of God’s promise and provision. When Israel was headed to the promise land, facing unknown challenges under the banner of new leadership, Moses’ words to Joshua encapsulate the essence of his trustworthiness in the midst of change, uncertainty and challenges;

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deut. 31:8)

Starting with Abraham, through every patriarch, through the lineage of kings that led to the advent of Christ, fulfiller of all God’s promises, the Lord’s orchestration of his glorious plan is indeed a reminder that whatever fears and challenges lie ahead, he’s got it. It may not go according to how I planned but his redemptive narrative reminds me how much I just need to trust him.

So with that, I’m signing off for awhile and wish you all a wonderful Advent season and hopeful New Year.