Have you had those moments where you sit back and take stock of your life and realize by the grace of God you are in a really good place? I pray that you have had many moments like that... I myself am in one now.
I sat with Nathan playing trains last night, listening to the sweet sleepy sounds of Grant realizing I am in a really good place. Not only with the things around me in my life but the things within. I am always thankful when the externals in my life are at peace: when my boys are healthy, when Gary and I are in sync, when the work here is going well, when life in Cochabamba is conflict free (for the most part), and when our families back home are doing well. Those are always welcome blessings in my life. But I think just as important, no, more important is when I find myself at peace, in a good place.
Something happened when Grant was born... something I don't know that I will ever be able to explain in words. But there was a shift within this woman and I feel more at peace with who I am, what I've been made to be, and what I've been given the opportunity to do in this life than I think I ever have before.
It's that sitting in the porch swing on an autumn evening, leaves rustling and swirling, the perfect cup of hot tea warming your hands and your favorite book in your lap kind of good place. That kind that brings that almost silly smile to your face for no reason, that causes you to greet every person you meet walking down the street, that makes you hug your kids just a little bit longer and a little bit harder, that makes you kiss your baby in that really sweet soft spot right behind his little ears, and that makes you play tickle wars with your toddler until he's laughed so hard he can hardly breathe.
It's a good place to be. I hope I stay here awhile... because the reality is that no matter what happens about me, if I can keep the peace of my Lord within... now that's a good place to be :)
I love moments like this and it brings me joy to see that God has answered many of our prayers for you. I praise God for the contentment and the peace you feel esp when you are far from home. God is good isn't He?!? God is good
ReplyDeleteWow. It warms my heart to hear you speaking like this. :-) I am glad for you.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how excited I am to hear those words, and how blessed. I finally have a computer, don't have skype yet but would love to talk sometime next week! I'm so glad to hear you are home safe and sound. Love you.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to be in that place. You describe it so well.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad for you! Knowing all the bridges we've crossed to get here, makes me that much more thankful that God has brought you to this good place. I, too, pray that it will continue - or at least that His peace within will continue to be your strength.
ReplyDeleteI love and appreciate your friendship so much!
Julie
What a beautiful way to say that....thanks for sharing. I am glad to hear yall are doing well too:)
ReplyDeleteYou make you dear old Dad very proud.
ReplyDeleteGig 'em.
wow, laura. that was beautiful! seriously. as i read i was getting closer and closer to the computer screen and kind of melting in to your words and the beautiful picture you were painting. really, that was beautiful. what a wonderful place to be! :)
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteIt´s great to know you are so at peace and at such a good place right now. By God´s grace and the help of my friends here I, too, am feeling at a good place in spite of all my complaining on my recent blog entry. :^) Thanks for your contribution to that ´good place´ for me. I love ya, gal!