Curve balls

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball that changes your plans, your outlook, and hopefully your attitude.

Friday, July 18, we were thrown a curve ball when Nick was part of cut-backs at work and we were forced to look at other employment opportunities. We were shocked and a little bit scared at first because we had never been in this position before and it wasn't something that we had anticipated.

Nick has been home for nine weeks now, and we have learned so many things from this experience...
We have learned that there are things in life that you will be afraid to do because of circumstances (like a slowing economy), but God has bigger plans and isn't afraid to speed up the process!
We have learned that trusting in God's promise brings an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort.
We have learned that an emergency fund that covers 3-6 months or more of living expenses may seem like a lot of savings, but we are so thankful that we have that and weren't stressing about finances on top of finding a job. Having the savings in place enabled Nick to accept the position that is right for him/us and we didn't just settle for a paycheck.
We have learned to take a look at what we spend and plan to be a little more aware of the things that we buy. A friend and I were talking about how easy it is to walk into Target for tortillas and walk out with $200 worth of stuff.
We have learned that we are all affected by things that "won't happen to us." It's so easy to think that something won't happen because of position, education, qualifications, etc., but when it comes down to it, nobody is immune.
We have learned how scary a position like this can be and we have a new respect for the trials that others are going through. Even the "little" things can seem so huge when you're in the middle of them and that anything can be somebodies "mountain".

We were given a huge lesson in perspective through this. On July 19, my friend Kirsten lost her dad Scott. He was an incredible man and he lived a life that was sold out for Christ. Their family has been a part of my life since I can remember, as they have been going to the same church as us for over 20 years and I can't remember a time that they weren't around. Scott and his wife Betty have been friends with my mom and Pat for years and have had an enormous impact on their lives, which has also impacted me. At the same time, sweet Zach was in ICU fighting for his life after a major heart surgery. Amy called me to tell me of Scott's passing and told me that Zach was also not doing well and I got off the phone and just cried and cried. I was filled with sadness for the loss of a great man, sadness and fear for Ray, Amy, Bella and Zach, and I was filled with gratitude because even though Nick had lost his job, it was something that we could handle. A job was so small in comparison to what our sweet friends were going through and very quickly an uncomfortable situation became a blessing.

About a month ago, I attended a conference through my church and Lysa TerKeurst was the speaker. She told a story of a seed that was the perfect analogy to what we have gone through, and I felt that God was speaking directly to me through Lysa.
She told the story of a seed that lives in it's little seed packet, happy with it's surroundings. One day the farmer reaches in and picks out one seed... that one little seed that was content where he was and didn't really want to change his circumstances. The seed didn't ask for this change, and wasn't entirely comfortable with what was happening. Then the seed was planted... plunged into the dirt, surrounded by darkness, and it just seemed to be at a complete low. Looking to the farmer, asking "why me?" and questioning the farmer's plans. Over the course of time, the seed was watered and fed and given the opportunity to grow, but still was questioning the farmer's plan. One day, the seed looked around and realized that it was coming into the light and that it had turned into a flower that had that most brilliant bloom. The flower then realized that even though it wasn't clear during the process, the farmer's plan was perfect for that one little seed. That seed was never meant to live forever in it's little packet, it was meant for so much more. The same goes for us... sometimes God takes us from a situation that we are all too comfortable in and we go through some yucky things, but His plan is perfect for us. In order to become what He has planned for us, we have to go through change and trial and we have to be given the opportunity to grow. I was greatly touched by this story and I have been reminding myself of this over and over as I look back and see Gods moving in this situation long before Nick lost his job.

I am happy to say that Nick was offered a fantastic position at a great company and he has accepted! This position will provide great growth opportunities for Nick and it will be a challenge for him as well, which is great and is something that he is super excited about!

Thank you to our family and friends that have been through this with us, and that have been so supportive through prayer and conversation. We have had many family meetings and are so thankful and appreciative for the great advice that we have received, for both business and personal considerations! We love you guys!

Please pray for us as Nick begins his new job and faces some of the expected challenges. Please pray for Ethan, as I'm sure he will go through Daddy withdrawals.

If you've stuck with me this long, thanks... you deserve a prize! Have a fantastic day, I'm off to paint Emily's room!

Happy Monday!
A