God is good!

You know, life sure has it's ups and downs.  Some on the inside and some on the outside.  Either way, I have learned that Jesus is right here with open arms that hug my heart and carry my concerns.  For that I'm deeply grateful.

This past week has marked a turn around in some very difficult circumstances.  There are some ongoing challenges but when the tide begins to turn, and the flood waters begin to recede, that sense of relief in itself is a gift from God.  Not that the guard comes down fully as there are still things to conquer, but a break from the "battle" gives opportunity to refresh and refuel.  God knows when to provide those seasons.

Some folks are so optimistic that they say they wouldn't trade their tough times for anything.  Well, I'd like to trade in a couple of circumstances right now, for the sake of my loved ones and for my own sake.  But, life doesn't work that way.  Over optimism gets on my nerves.  I'm a realist I suppose,  But the biggest reality that I cling to is the knowledge that God truly is here every step of the way to provide everything I need, sometimes just in the nick of time but never too late.

We needed a break and having a couple things start looking up, those are gifts we are grateful for.  You see, goodness is who God is.  Folks blame Him when things go haywire but blaming the One who can help us the most is to shoot ourselves in the foot.  We create the breach between us and God and then wonder "Where are you, God?"  Well, He hasn't gone anywhere.  He's just waiting for us to turn our hearts back to Him so He can take care of us.  I've done that before and am thankful for Him teaching me the lesson that turning my back on Him is just, well, dumb.  Not that He calls me dumb!  He's gracious and merciful and always draws us back to Himself.  I just finally realized that it's dumb to blame Him, stomp around or lay flat in self pity.  Those things are a waste of time.  Turning to Him from the get go, then staying glued to Him, that's been the secret, the success, the strength.

Well, thanks for listening to me think out loud this very rainy, beautiful Monday.  We have needed rain very much and it's finally here!  But I already mentioned that.  I'm just thankful that it has stuck around long enough to do our land some real good.  See?  God is good.

Love,
MtnMom

Copyright Cynthia R. Jacobs January 23, 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED