We are late bloomers in our family. Our mom and dad hadn't planned to get married so soon. They enjoyed roller skating out to a nearby park, climbing trees, riding the carousel, and just hanging around. They didn't talk of marriage. But Emily, our dad's new sister-in-law, suggested that getting married might be a good idea since our dad had a good job.
And so, almost unexpectedly, their carefree days turned into a commitment. Twelve months after the wedding our brother, Jay, was born. Then our dad was shipped out to fight in World War II. This left our mom on her own. Fortunately her parents had a second house that she was able to rent. Her sister Ruth lived with her and was able to finish out her high school years without changing schools. Even in the uncertainty of war, God was quietly providing stability and support.
Years later, I found myself walking a similar path of hesitation. I carried on the tradition of not wanting to get married, as I didn't want the responsibility of housework. When Chris suggested that we could live on a sailboat, this appealed to me. It sounded adventurous and unencumbered. We got married and then ended up in a house. Fortunately I always managed to hire help to clean — first a college student and then later professionals. Even when my plans shifted, I still tried to arrange life on my own terms.
But God had other plans for shaping my heart. It was when our daughter Heather was two that I called out to God for help. In that moment I began to realize that God had been leading me all along, in spite of my childish thoughts and resistance. God worked with me just as He had done with the Israelites. Sometimes we need to go in the opposite direction of our own desires in order to find His best.
That reminds me of this verse:
Exodus 13:17 —
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, ‘Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.’”
Sometimes the longer road is the kinder road. And sometimes what feels like a delay is actually protection — a loving Father leading us the way we need to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment