This green government couch has once again seen a huge change in our family. As I sit and write on it I, am watching Ronnie play with blocks near our porch glass door and Lydia try to read the Jesus Story Book Bible. What? Barrett, Annabelle, and I left this couch about a month and a half ago to finally meet our twins! And in the Lord’s kindness, we claimed them on Thanksgiving Day. Can you believe that? I still make myself remember that when the drool, tears, snot, and body functions happen on this green government couch. What a transition it has been. What a treasure as well!
I’d love to tell you it’s been all chocolate and rainbows since we have gotten back, but my body would defy that statement. The stress of change has given me shingles and other mysterious rashes that leave me in both extreme pain as well as itch. Barrett and I have fought over nothing, which seemed like everything in the moment, and our anger has erupted in our hearts with all our kids at some point…or at the same point. Time outs have been frequent here and I have even given myself one on the kitchen floor with tears streaming from my eyes. I didn’t imagine it would be this hard for everyone.
Oh…and we are moving in a little over a month…to Puerto Rico. Going from serving the Marines to serving the Coast Guard. An unknown for all of us. So we are figuring out how to close up shop, house, and relationships in the midst of our family’s furious fluctuations. Meanwhile, everyday life has to happen. Meals are made, diapers are changed, school is done, and baths are prepared. I have taken naps on this coach as well as cuddled up in a blanket for mindless TV mini vacations. Writing has been put aside as well as other social events. But I have to tell you, our friends have been amazing during this transition. Annabelle was stolen away for an ice skating date with a friend, we have been given boxes and boxes of diapers and wipes, and have also been gifted with a bike trailer and double strollers. The support has been amazing and we are so thankful and humbled by it all.
I’d love to tell you we have figured everything out, but we haven’t. It’s hard for me to think clearly when I’m hurting physically. I have to work hard to tell myself the truth. Honestly, I lifeline a friend often to help me wade through my thoughts, emotions, and theology because I can’t do it on my own. Boy, I am so thankful for the body of Christ, they have lifted up our arms in the fight to help us wage on. The Lord has used many of you in this transition and again, we are thankful. I often quote Lamentations 3:22-24, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.” These verses give me joy and hope each morning! No matter what went on the previous day, this day is a new one, a fresh one! The Lord gives me His mercies each morning so I can give them to my family too. I also cling to a chorus from Fanny Crosby:
“He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,”
Phew! The tears fill my eyes as I read these words again. My hope is secure, my Savior is protecting me and won’t let me go. What a comfort this brings.
So the packers will come in 5 weeks to take this green couch away. So many memories have happened here. Thankfully they will remain. And many more will be made in this new season of life. Great is His faithfulness!