This time last year

Something about a gorgeous weekend gets me thinking...I was outside for a majority of the weekend and like my Jur, http://lauramielke.blogspot.com/ found myself reflective, and even more so THANKFUL for all the prayers He has answered since "this time last year". So Jur, in response to your post....

While my "this time last year" does not involve any children of my own, there are so many prayers, both big and small that I am amazed how richly the Lord not only heard, but answered them in ways far better than I could have scripted...

I am not a "date remembering" person by nature (sorry Carrie, that may be why History and I never really got along), but as a Wedding Consultant, I could tell you what I was doing nearly every weekend of the last few years. When you work all week ordering, organizing, planning and anticipating a wedding day...those dates tend to stick with you. Even now, dates come again and I find myself thinking about a special couple that married on that day, and hoping they are even more in love now, eating year old cake, or toasting to another year of marriage. But, sadly, as I think about weddings last April, I am brought back to a place that I am beyond thankful the Lord carried me through.

Last April was filled with gorgeous brides, extravagant weddings, and a busy, busy travel schedule. I personally, however, was the closest I have ever been to an emotional breaking point. When I think about details of those weekends, my heart can go exactly to emotions of the day. I was exhausted, emotionally and physically. My heart was heavy. I missed my husband, my family and my friends. My heart ached.

I agonized over the turmoil around me. I carried burdens that were not mine to bear. I allowed my heart to get involved deeply in issues that were not my own.

I was exhausted, and I was HOT. I worked hard. I worked all the time. I worked under tents. I lugged tables, chivari chairs, vases and flowers. When I was not working I was hot. I drove the faithful red jeep...in all her air conditioning-less glory.

I prayed for endurance. I prayed for direction. I prayed for peace.

Endurance, direction, and peace He gave.... In His timing. He gracefully removed me from the daily turmoil. Lightened the burdens from my heart. Part of my "career" path in to the summer would not fall under the category of ideal..but how much sweeter the blessings are now. I am thankful. Thankful for my job. Beyond thankful for my weekends. Thankful to spend time with my husband. Thankful to spend time with friends and family....and OH SO thankful to have a car with air conditioning!

He blessed me not only with new jobs, a few new dear friends, but also introduced new roles in to my life that I am honored to have and that I cherish...this time last year I was not an Aunt. I was not a Godmother. Obviously, just based on blog posts alone, they have brought me so much joy. Children I now love so much, were still, as my mom would say, "A twinkle in their daddy's eye". Prayers for pregnancies were answered. Prayers for swollen feet, blood pressure, and emergency c-sections were answered.

This time last year I was missing Grandmom McFee like crazy. One year later, I still am...but I am also so thankful for one more year with others that I love so much. Thankful for my health and the health of others. Thankful for time. Time to spend with others, and time to think about what a great God hears all of our prayers.

Now, as I think about the prayers I prayed, I think about how they were answered and I am reminded that they were not always answered immediately. What an encouragement to the prayers I pray now. Last year at this time, John and I hoped and prayed he would have the awesome opportunity and responsibility of Shift work. Answered prayer for opportunity, yes. But, as we press on, nearly one year later, tired of the schedule, tired of the hours, I am reminded that it is all a part of His timing...He will faithfully carry us through this as well, and I am sure in ways far better than could be scripted.