Perhaps, for many of us, all experience merely defines, so to speak, the shape of that gap where our love of God ought to be. It is not enough. It is something. If we cannot “practice the presence of God,” it is something to practice the absence of God, to become increasingly aware of our unawareness…
C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves: Charity
My house sold yesterday- a praise if there ever was! Soon, I will tell you the story: the hows and whys and wherefores. My husband is working second shift- a deplorable shift for a father of five- and yet a wonderful shift in the same sense. I am learning whole new ways of dancing with my Father these days…if I do not appear for a while, you have your answer as to why. This quote jumped at me, run roughshod through my thoughts today. My prayer, through all of this- is to be aware.
7 Comments
nAncY
i was gonna ask…but, i will wait for the story.
Sandi
I bet that’s a relief to be done with that part of the story :o)
Still unpacking around here, The stomach flu arrived the day (Jan 24) after moving and finally finished with it’s last victim yesterday…I think. There are still boxes every where.
Happy Packing. Sounds exciting and can’t wait to get the whole story.
Elise
Oh, praise Him. Joy, may you find much joy in the days ahead… blessings on your hardworking husband, strength for your weary bones, and for the five little ones running around, may their love cups be filled to overflowing, by His grace.
Love you!
xo
Kelly Langner Sauer
A wonderful quote. Someone shared with me yesterday about never having enough to be full – “If we felt full when we were empty, we would starve.” Practicing the absence of God indeed…
Rachel Pearson
Wow – that’s awesome, Joy!!! SO very happy for you guys? You must update me on where you’re going, etc…!!!
Rachel Pearson
Ooops, that was supposed to be an exclamation point, instead of a question mark up there! Just one example, of many, in how things can get miscommunicated online, huh? LOL!
Christine
Praise God! Congratulations!
I’ve dealt with second shift for a while now. Has its blessings, to be sure–daily homeschooling help is one. I will pray for you especially in the evenings. Getting five little ones fed the evening meal and ready for bed takes much grace, night after night.
-We did baths in the mornings for a time.
-Family prayer can occur during the day, so Daddy can help hold or distract squirrelly little ones. That leaves you with just some quick prayers before bed, perhaps.
-You can also do the bulk of your reading aloud during the day, and leave just one quick story before bed, when you have squirrelly little ones all on your own.
-Saturday school can make up for an errand day during the week (stores are less crowded on weekdays).
-We school year-round, save for a three week break between school years. Make is easier to take needed breaks during the school year.
Just some thoughts. Again, I’m so happy for you!