Wordless Wednesday

Crazy! Chaotic! Out-of-Control! Stress(filled)! Weight on my shoulders! Emptiness! Why? Anxiety! Emotionally exhausted!

These words describe my life over the past several days, weeks actually. So many uncertainties in this life, yet so many certainties in my life - certain that God will never leave me; certain that His love never fails; certain that HE has overcome the world; certain indeed, that I have a Savior who is helping me shoulder all of this heavy burden I am weighed down with.

I have been listening to this song above for the past few days (yes while working) and though I have heard this song before, the words really washed over me and made me realize, yes my world is shaking right now with all the uncertainties, but having God in my life is a unshakable certainty getting me through each of these trials. If God was not in my life, I would be that house built on the sand, and when the rains came I would be washed away.

As we approach this holiday season, I am learning to be still, know He IS God, He WAS God, and Always WILL BE God! My God is unshaken - may I take refuge in Him :)

The End of an Era...

Life begins at conception and continues into infancy. We embrace the new life with so much love and tenderness. As our child grows, the love in our heart grows more with each day of life. Until, life throws us a curve ball, and it is time to allow our little one to spread their wings. 16 years brings the first set of wheels, and potentially nights spent consoling a broken heart of first love lost. Time moves forward, and we find ourselves with a tear in our eye watching our baby take that walk - the graduation walk. Is it possible to now have our {baby} child heading off to college? The years didn't go by that fast did they? The empty nest syndrome begins, and our child's {adult} life begins. As adulthood begins, military service begins. And, a proposal takes place. Our baby is now married with a beautiful bride; one who swept his heart away. Honeymoon is over, and now a few precious blessings of his own. Military career is put behind him, and a new era of employment begins. For years of dedicated service, he works hard at what he does. Though not always treated in the kindest of manners, he continues to work hard {but focus turns to 'working for God'...He's his real "boss"}. A couple more children bless his life, and he focuses on working just as hard to provide, love and care for all these children {5} God saw fit to bless his life with. And, the world turns. Now it is his turn to watch the car keys handed over, with a little fear in his heart, and to hear that all too familiar song Pomp and Circumstance play for HIS baby. College, marriages, and now something new to him - grandchildren. Blessed with his first granddaughter, he shows her off at his place of employment with such love in his heart; she was only 5 days old! Grandpa is a new title for him, and would be many times over to come. Working hard continues to be his ethic, but an end to that era seems to be coming to a close. After 30+ years of dedicated service to the United States Postal Service, retirement starts a new era; bittersweet, yes.

On October 31, 2009, my daddy officially retired from the work force (USPS). For his children, it brought some tears; for him some uncertainty. But, a new chapter was about to begin. No more early mornings (4:00a.m. work start time), and more time spent with his grandchildren. He is now able to spend more time homeschooling, and helping with homework. His heart swells with love for these grandchildren in his life!

Yes, it is the end of an era. How different it feels for not only him, but his children. You watch your daddy work so hard for years and years, and then it all comes to an end. But, it's as it was intended to be. God rested on the 7th day, and now after 30+ years my daddy gets to "rest" and enjoy doing the things he loves doing -reading the bible, watching TV shows with my mom, homeschooling Amanda, helping Lizzie and Cayden with homework, spending time with all his grandchildren, etc. etc. All of this without the pressures of the workforce.

Daddy, an era has ended in your life. And, it is not easy I am sure. But, as your daughter I can say how proud I am of you for the example you displayed throughout all your years of working. You were a dedicated employee, and an even more dedicated daddy - and you continue to be.

Thank you, Daddy, for your time of employment. Enjoy your days now relaxing and finally taking some time for yourself. You are more than deserving of some rest and relaxation.

I Love You!