Sometimes I can get so wrapped up in myself and my own issues that I can lose my awareness for all that is going on around me.
Over the last couple of months, our family has started the process of looking at real estate. We are trying to be “
What do we need? Well, honestly, it’s a first world problem. Even as I am writing this and reflecting – my need is less of a “need” and more of a want. We have been planning for years now to create a space for Hannah when she becomes an adult. We want her to have some independence, and a sense of something that is her own… yet, the idea of Hannah being completely independent is not a reality. Hannah is smart, and is learning some good skills, and that’s great, but she also is an easy target for someone to take advantage of. She struggles with understanding concepts like money. She will still need support.
Ok, so all that said, we realized that as we are entering in what we hope to be the last decade of our working careers (at least full time) we would be wise to try and make that change sooner than later.
And so, the great house hunt has begun. I don’t know that I actually believed that this would be somewhat “fun,” but I did expect to enjoy this process a little more than I am. I think that is in part due to the fact that on two occasions now, we have placed offers on houses that we really liked and fit what we were wanting to do apartment wise for Hannah, and on both occasions our offers have been rejected. That feels terrible. It feels defeating. It feels like our time – which is typically our rarest resource – has been wasted.
While I have been spinning out over this whole house hunt, I have received several text messages from friends and family who are going through all kinds of big stuff. I mean difficult life crisis’. I can’t help but wonder why I am allowing myself to be so deeply disappointed over what is truly minuscule in comparison.
In the past 48 hours, two different families have shared saying that something has happened to a loved one and they are now brain dead. The families are grieving – as they should be. Another family just lost their father/husband. While this may have been somewhat expected, it happened quicker than was anticipated.
These aren’t house discouragements. These are full on life crisis’.
Which one matter’s to God? Honestly, it all does. He cares about His children. And yet, I feel very strongly that God wants me to remember that He has always provided and will continue to provide for us. Beyond that, I think that God wants His children to have eyes and ears that are not so focused on ourselves that we lose others in the process. He wants us to come along others who are struggling with significant loss and remind them that God is present in the midst of their pain as well. He doesn’t want us to miss them, because He does not miss them.
Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” It is He that does the the healing, but in the midst of the pain, I believe God wants us to help the process of comforting.
Psalm 34: 17-18 “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
I don’t know where your heart is, or where you are at situationally, but I do not want to miss God’s people. I don’t want to be so consumed with myself and my own needs that I miss the opportunity to share God’s love with those in need. I don’t want to become so busy or consumed by my own schedule that I do not slow down and lift them up continually before our Heavenly Father.
May we decide today, LORD, to keep you as our number one priority. Not self. And may we not be so focused on what we believe is important, that we miss the needs, hurts, and opportunities to bless others.
Blessings!