Changes

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

~Isaiah 32:17

Am I one who loves change? I must say I do enjoy the unexpected, and often am easily bored with a stagnant daily routine. But I am also known for holding onto traditions and am the first one to sob at those emotional, life-marker moments; you know, graduations, first day of school, first day of college - the biggies! Wow. In this case, God has tested my emotional stability this month of August as very significant life-marker moments, changes, have occurred in my life! I left a job I loved at a place that was a part of my life for almost a decade, Michael moved from dwelling in the college dorms to being a tenant in his first college house experience, and my precious 'baby girl' moved from Ohio to North Carolina.

Now beyond the 'joy' of getting to box up two children's stuff accumulated over several years combined, these moves should have rocked my world and sent me into a mode of despair and loneliness. But they didn't. No one was more surprised by this than me! How is it I spent Ashley's first day of school in fits of tears (literally, I think Michael was concerned for my sanity), yet I was able to leave her almost 600 miles and 4 states away?! As the words from Isaiah state, there is a sense of peace and of quietness and confidence as a result of our attempts to live a righteous life. If we are making every effort to live for Christ and play out our faith in truly trusting God in all circumstances, He will gives us a sense of peace. He is the source of confidence that all is well. They will be ok. He has them in His care.

I cannot remember the source, but I read somewhere that to truly use the word of God in times of trial or fear it is scripture that we should turn to. Literally. We should recite the passages that reassure us, comfort us, give us confidence and allow us to grow in our faith. This passage from Isaiah 32:17 is on my memorization 'to do' list of scripture. Then when I feel a pang of 'mom worry' I can recall God's promise; He wants me at peace, quiet, and assured that He has it under control. Praise Him!

I can honestly say that, sure I miss seeing my 'baby girl's face more regularly, but at the same time I am genuinely thrilled for her and her position in life at this very moment. God has richly blessed us and blessed her with opportunities to grow and experience new people, new challenges, new sights, and new fun! I hear it in her voice that she is excited for what is to come. That reassurance - which God is providing me through her tone of voice and attitude - is a result of having faith and trusting Him.

Change is constant; we can be assured of that. But what lies ahead, we can be even more assured, is the life He has planned for us. I cannot wait for it to unfold!