Amazing that the last post was the graduation from 8th grade and here we are 7 months later and we look at a new beginning. So much has happened in the past six weeks and I really need to take the time to write it out. It is such a God story and Mikal needs to know it. I need to remember it. What I don't know is how it will end for all the players involved. But Lord I don't need to know and for that I am so grateful. Even with our free will, you know. Somehow, you know.
Today was a day of beginnings for M H, my 15-year-old great-nephew who now lives with us. Not temporarily but permanently...until graduation in 3 1/2 years. Wow! New shoes for all of us to fill. New steps to take on a road not travelled. The parallel road travelled 17 years ago with E as he was 15 and in the ninth grade. Today was the first youth class, first youth group function after evening worship. Not surprisingly he fit in like he had been there always. It has helped to have him participate in some of the Christmas break activities. But there is always that "back to normal" that can happen with people that you are suddenly out in the cold. And it didn't. Thank you, Lord. And as we left the fellowship tonight, M called out to one of the youth boys (guess I will need to start remember names) if he would be at Bible study tomorrow. He said yes and asked if M would be there. A happy yes was the answer. Thank you, Lord.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow begins our new normal. Enrollment in school. Daily taking and picking up from classes. Homework. Monday night Bible study. All new again for me and new place, new people, new schedule from M. Lord, please lead him to the teens who will be good influences on him. Lord, let there be the one who asks him to join him for lunch. Always the hard part of a new school. Who will I sit with at lunch. I think Mikal will just plop down anywhere. Lord, let it be the right place. With the right person.
Thankful listing for today:
-Worship with my church family and the song service.
-Talking with Greg who never sits where we sit.
-Hearing Greg praise the counseling center and the advice of talking with parents instead
of the child. (We needed to hear that)
-Conversation with M at lunch...easy going
-M reveal part of his life before. Always remember to ask about experience as to why
something is not liked. There is a story.
-Thankful for wounded not broken life we are privileged to nurture and love.
-M's desire to pray for Ken.
-M's action to ask for prayer for Ken.
-Lord, hear the heart of this child.
-M's joy at running with Molly. His delight in a dog.
-The smell of sweet oranges that lingers at the table long after eaten and peels
discarded.
-A snaggledtoothed seven-year-old's birthday. Happy birthday Ish...he who laughs and
brings joy each day.
-Bible class members who pray, who care.
-George asking for intercessory prayer for an employee.
-blessing of an unexpected raise. Lord you are too good to us. May we be wise in our
use of these funds.
-hearing of scripture and words of challenge. Lord let them sink into me. Let me feed
on them and gain insight and nourishment.
