Look Up
Timehop…
Oh, this unique social media feature... It has the ability to evoke emotions ranging from celebration to deep introspection.
In a single snapshot, it conjures precious memories, failed resolutions, hopeful tomorrow’s, and everything in between.
Like many of you, I too have taken inventory of the past 365 days in our journey. Immediately, questions about missed opportunities began to filter through my musings.
Another failed attempt at starting a ministry had been swallowed in the midst of the crashing waves of chaos.
I carried my concern to the Lord in prayer inquiring whether we had stepped out too soon. The gentle response took me back to a time while caught in the midst of the current, the only direction I could possibly seek refuge, was to look up.
During the summer of 2007, my in-love’s planned an incredible family adventure to the Caribbean. In preparation for our trip, my father-in-law, researched and purchased a pair of high-tech earplugs. (No water was getting through those babies!)
Why? Because submerging my head under water while swimming has never been part of my summer escapades.
Since childhood, chronic ear infections and multiple vent tubes have made water activities challenging.
Randy thoughtfully planned this detail of our trip in order for me to experience something he was sure I would enjoy…
Snorkeling.
On the first day of our vacation, I was utterly captivated by the beauty that surrounded me. The vibrant colors and the calm of the crystal blue ocean entertained me for hours.
As I encountered new sea creatures, my squeals of excitement echoed through my snorkel tube. My husband and mother-in-law still chuckle about my reaction, that could easily be heard from where they stood on the shoreline.
As the week progressed, we drove the island to discover new places to inspect. Some days we simply walked pristine beaches or shops for miles.
One particular morning, we happened upon a sapphire blue cove with a coral reef, just waiting to be explored.
Armed with my special earplugs, goggles, flippers, and snorkel, I waddled toward the surf. Within my first few steps in the water, I could tell something was amiss.
This wasn’t quite like what I had encountered that first day.
The water, while breathtaking, was not serene and the fish came in droves to surround us. I was determined, however, to make the most of this opportunity.
I ventured out a little further and noticed that everything was closing in… one earplug had gotten loose, allowing pressure to build as moisture reached my eardrum.
As the next wave crested, my snorkel began filling and salt water made its way into my mouth.
Yet, with stubborn determination, I persisted.
Finding my footing on the ocean floor, I stood up and rearranged my gear. Earplugs firmly in place, snorkel free of water, goggle straps situated - I set out again to wander God’s glorious creation.
Just as I was positioned perfectly atop the water, a giant wave ascended, knocking me off balance, taking me completely under.
Losing all sense of my surroundings, I floundered, not know which way to turn.
Panic began to worm its way into my mind as water filled every piece of my carefully selected equipment.
Then suddenly, I remembered, “look up.”
An outstretched hand was there to pull me up as new waves came crashing in around me.
As this memory filtered through… with it came the realization of the series of waves that Ryan and I have been and are still navigating.
~ Multiple failed treatment courses and the expenses they incurred.
~ A new diagnosis, coordinating specialists, and altered treatment regimens.
~ Financial Instability.
~ Gracefully shepherding our people through keyboard warriors, misconceptions, and untruths.
~ Employment uncertainty.
Nevertheless, one thing has remained unchanged in the midst of the calamity…
The outstretched hand that guides us every time we “look up,” instead of focusing our attention on the surrounding chaos. (Isaiah 43:2)
It is not lost on us that our faith in the steadfast, unwavering, omniscient God has grown abundantly these past twelve months.
Because once the Lord has walked with you through the darkest valley; the evidence of His past faithfulness will be your guiding light for every step of the continued journey. (Psalm 119:105)
You need only to LOOK UP!
May this bring encouragement, dear reader, our God is able to carry you in the midst of any wave of chaos this world can throw your way.
