“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
Thank you God for the challenges of this year. My kids and I were around each other so much, so we were forced to figure out some things I hadn’t noticed before or had let slide. It didn’t feel good when we were going through it, but at the end of each trial when the storms had calmed, I felt taken care of by God, even if I didn’t understand why it happened.
2020 began with a prayer from a friend to keep my gaze on God – to always turn my eyes to Him who is in control, my Father and creator. This set a plan going forward of where to turn in each new trial…
I looked to God in search of strength – especially when my people complained, fought and argued.
I looked to God in search of patience – trying to be teacher and mom was not easy.
I looked to God in search of comfort and peace – there were so many days of missing loved ones and hoping we’d see them again.
I looked to God in search of contentment – having less quiet time could be wearisome.
I looked to God in search of empathy and understanding of my kids – it can be easy to seek my own comfort but I wanted to overcome my selfishness.
Through my family’s trials this year, God showed me that He is faithful. I heard so many people describe Him that way, and it is true. He held my hand through each day, sustained me in the tiredness and mundane. He taught me how to recognize an unsteadiness in my heart and turn to Him for peace. What a good Father He proved to be for me this year. He didn’t have to, but He did, because that’s who He is. So grateful!
My Heart, My Home 