A List

It would really be impossible for me to list all of ways the Lord cared for us these last weeks.  I'm certain there are many things that went unseen.  Here are a few things I am not too blind to miss...

1.Timing
One week after school let out- our most inexpensive time of year.
Two weeks shy of a bonus, which by law is a requirement for that bonus to be paid.
The week after all of our bills were paid for the month.
The beginning of the month allowing our insurance coverage to last that entire month (during which we got all exams taken care of).
A whole summer off:).

2. Within days of his being let go we were already in contact with the VP of the company that is now his employer.  That gave us a good deal of hope early on.

3. Our new insurance began two days before our kids when back to school, and the first day of his employment.  It also has orthodontic coverage, as well as all my favorite doctors, dentist, and eye doctor being in network.

4. Another company called the day after this offer was accepted.  He wanted that one too, but it was just another way God was made a clear path.

5. While we were fortunate enough to have savings to carry us through, it was not with a whole lot of excitement we contemplated that type of savings depletion.  Graciously we saw a far smaller impact on our savings than what we anticipated. 

6. A hiring freeze.  The day of his hiring we were told that a hiring freeze had been put on the entire company because of the economy.  The VP had wanted to hire two salesmen and was told he could have one.  John was the one. 

7. Peace.  He truly does give a peace that passes all understanding and I experienced that.  It got to the point (because the hiring process can be sooo long) that I was just like "I don't really want him to get this job if it isn't the right one."  And I meant it.  I was at ease nearly the entire time.

8. Moving on.  John was long overdue to move on from his old job.  As odd as this sounds it was truly a blessing to have this happen.  It was proving very difficult for him bring himself to leave and this way we can trust that the timing was right and that it was the right thing for him.

9. Discovering that our friends truly care for us.  It brings a lump to my throat even now to dwell on the ways that our friends surrounded us during this.  Coming over early to talk with me, many many kind words of encouragement, picking up tabs, countless prayers, emails, phone calls, texts, im's.  I always knew that I had great friends.  But it is really amazing when you see them move into action and rally around you.

10. Our family is incredible.  The monetary gifts alone from our families were pretty astounding.  They allowed us to enjoy many activities this summer without having the 'oh, man, this is gonna cost us' feelings.  Cards, gift cards, tabs being paid, clothes being bought, a car being lent.  I don't even have adequate words for how much that meant to us.

I have to say, we have weathered some storms in our lives.  They aren't a whole lot of fun when you're in them.  But each time we come out, all breathless and dripping wet, I know that I would never trade them.  These are my times of growth.  My peaks rather than valleys in this Relationship.  I have never been let down.  And each time this weird (to the world) thing happens: I recognize a little more fully that He allows all this to come into my life.  And most importantly He can be glorified through it.  I don't need to fear it, I just need to lean on Him.  He will be strong through me.  I'm not saying I'm good at it.  Just that I recognize it. 

How about this quote from Stonewall Jackson in response to a captain who was awed by the General's calm manner on the battlefield: "Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed.  God has fixed the time for my death.  I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me."  That from a man who rode around on a horse commanding men with bullets whizzing by.   
Jobloss Schmobloss.