The "Strain of Life"

It is hard to comprehend that two weeks have gone by and we are finally on the other side of the final details of closing on our house sell - the garage sales, Craig’s List deals, sending off the rest to auction; the rush to finish emptying and getting out for the new owners; our crate being built, loaded, and sent off on the semi-truck; stuff loaded on a UHaul for our daughter to use and store; the rest given away or trashed... A lot of other details were taken care of like sending off files and records, paying last bills and closing out accounts, gathering our prescription medicines, finalizing plans with and for our children.

We have had special times with our children and my parents and many, many long hours of physical, mental, and emotional tiredness. To be honest, this whole process has been really hard at times and not something I would look forward to ever again and yet, God’s hand has been constantly with us, ordering the details and many last minute rescues ; )

Today’s Oswald Chambers reading was the reminder of what this process really has been for us. “God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength.”

I know this was just a session of “strain” for us and that we are headed for more but hopefully we will remember these times and be able to “thank Him for all that He has done” as we leave the things in His hands.