But God

I shared with my church family on Sunday that as I’ve begun to look at verses of Scripture more closely (thank you Faithfully Following Ministries), I’ve come to love the ones that include the words, “but God.” Why? Because each time they’re present, they signal that God is going to…well, be God!

A year ago this past weekend, JD and I packed up the boys and a car load of stuff and we headed back to Point Pleasant. Sutton was fighting for his life in the hospital. Hannah and Jay were by his side. We had no idea how long I’d be gone, if we had all I’d need, or what to expect in the days to come. What we did know was, that we were very scared, full of grief, feeling totally helpless and all the while trying to hold it together for the little ones.

In an attempt to keep things “normal”, we joined the community to watch the Fourth of July Parade, lit sparklers in the driveway, and sat in lawn chairs to watch the neighborhood fire works. As you might guess though, it was about as far from normal as you can get. My mind whirled and twirled overtime. Quite honestly, I didn’t think I was brave enough, strong enough, wise enough, or anything enough to do what I was about to embark on. And guess what? I wasn’t.
But God……

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

When JD pulled out of the driveway to head home on the afternoon of July 5th leaving me on my own, I. Was. A. Mess! But God..is the Master of messes. I was weak, but He gave me strength. I was afraid, but God calmed my fears. I didn’t know what to say, but He gave me the words. The list could go on and on. Day by day, week by week, month by month, with lots of help, the boys and I we able to put one foot in front of the other, but God was holding our hands and directing our steps.

Fast forward a year. Sutton and family celebrated their 4th together yesterday! JD and I spent a quiet day at home. And while we still wish things were “normal,” we are beyond grateful and blessed that we’re now living a new normal. One where we understand how precious each day with those you love is. One where the memory of all the kindness and compassion shown to our family overwhelms us. One where though things are different, what’s truly important remains the same.

I still don’t know what to expect in the days to come. None of us do. However, I’m not as worried about it as I used to be because the truth is, “what’s to come” doesn’t have the final word for any of us,

But God…… does.