He doesn't slumber, nor does He sleep

Life can be so topsy-turvy at times, can't it? While in the process of looking for a new home I was contacted by a gentlemen who had seen an ad that I had posted for teaching music lessons.  I had posted said ad several months prior and had almost forgotten about it! The caller turned out to be the owner of a music school not far from where I now live, in my beautiful, brand new home (which, hereafter will be referred to as the Slice of Heaven) and he wanted me to interview for a position as a music teacher.  I was overjoyed! But how? I was working a full-time job at the group home and a part-time job as a bartender and I still had a few of my own private students to teach! I told Mr. O (the caller) that I was interested and that I would email him my resume but that I honestly just wasn't sure where the time would come from in my busy schedule.

Pan to two weeks later; my manager at the bar I was working at informs me that my one shift that I was working will no longer be mine.  Panic! Moving into a new house in a few days and a quarter of my disposable income was slipping through my fingers.  Ah, how foolish I am to believe that I ever had control of the situation to begin with.  To make a long story short, I interviewed with Mr. O, received the position, and now teach part-time at the music school!

All of this is really just a back-story for the real story.  I've received some very disconcerting news over the past few days from my full-time job at the group home.  I'm unable to share specifics at this time but it does effect my finances directly - it's so funny how certain facets of my life can change and my reaction is automatically fear . . . whereas other facets could change and my automatic reaction is to trust God.  Sitting in this meeting today with my fellow coworkers I was visited with a conglomeration of both feelings; first fear, then trust.  The more I thought about how crazy my life is, the more I began to fear.  Then, just when I couldn't take one more deep breath without quivering with overwhelming fear, the Holy Spirit whispered a thought into my mind, "He doesn't slumber, nor does He sleep, this doesn't come as a surprise to the God that you serve, because your life is in His Hands and He will make your way perfect." I cannot begin to tell you the immeasurable peace that washed over me in that moment and continues to as I am reminded of that sentiment.

Growing up, there was a song my parents used to sing.  I don't remember all of the words but I do remember, "He maketh my feet like hinds feet and setteth me upon Thy high places, it is God that girdeth me with strength, it is God that girdeth me, it is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect" (yes, very King James, I know.) 

Tonight, there was yet another surprise at work.  I was feeling a bit low coming onto my shift and then received news that one of my favorite kids would be leaving this evening, very unexpectedly.  My heart, which had been through some trials this morning, was completely broken.  How up and down could my day get? I said my goodbyes through teary eyes and prayed for him . . . and ultimately had to leave it at the feet of my Jesus . . . because what else can I do with such a situation?

My evening just wasn't the same after that; I'm an emotional sap and when things like this happen unexpectedly it throws me completely off-guard.  It was in this sadness that I sat, thinking about the predicaments of the day; financial issues, ideals shattered, disheartened, discouraged, and just ready to call it a night - then my housemate text me.  It was simple, a brief note to tell me that there was dinner and wine waiting for me when I got home tonight and a wish that I would have a good night.  Gratitude washed over me because in that moment I was reminded that He sees the big, the small, and everything in between and continues to show me that I am cared for.  I texted her back my thanks and sat and pondered how I could ever deserve the things that my Faithful God has chosen to give to a fairly unfaithful servant.  How thankful I am that we could never earn or deserve the Love of God - that it's free - because certainly, I never could.

So, I encourage you, take a moment to reflect on your day.  If your life has recently been more like sailing through a hurricane in deep waters than a smooth cruise, be lifted up, because you are not alone in that boat my friend.  Furthermore, you serve the God who can speak to the storm and calm the waters of life.  You can trust Him, I promise.  Smile.