My heart is very sad tonight. My sister and her son left, and soon they will board a plane and join her husband for a new life in Alaska. Our boys are finally able to play together, and now they will hardly know each other. At least for the next 3 to 4 years. I know it's not forever, but I just can't believe that we won't be spending Christmas with them, or watching Austin take his first steps, or .... I could go on and on, but I won't.
I won't because, beyond the sadness in my heart, I trust that the Lord is doing something here. His purposes aren't known to me, but nevertheless, He has a plan for Nate and Ruth and right now it obviously includes Alaska.
These verses are encouraging my heart tonight:
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:10
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." Psalm 18:30
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:8
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..." Proverbs 3:5
Nate, Ruth, and Austin, we love you and miss you already. It breaks our hearts to see you go, but we know the Lord has work for you in Alaska. We are so glad to see you go willingly, evenly joyfully, because you trust in the sovereign purposes of the Lord. You have always sought His counsel for your family, for your future, and He has never let you down yet. Nor will He. And this is the stuff that faith is made of, isn't it? Following the Lord into the unknown, doing things we never thought we could do?
Ah, well, enough of the sad stuff...seems I've caught Simon's fever, and that doesn't help the emotions any. :)
7 comments:
You have been on my heart this week as I've thought of what it must be like to send off your sister and nephew to Alaska. I am praying for you, dear one! Call me anytime! :-)
Praying for you (and for Nate and Ruth, of course!) as they head off to Alaska!
Praying for you too! I love the Ps 62:8 verse, it is one of my favorites, pour out your heart to Him. I am so thankful He is a God of comfort and that He has a perfect plan for all of you in this.
I know that can be hard to handle! Thankfully the kids are young and when Austin and his future siblings comes back they'll be chattering away and running around :) Now you have a reason to go to Alaska besides the beatiful scenery...
Oh...you are making me cry!
Goodbyes are so hard for me, but I am sure they are for everyone. We will miss you guys SO much, but will cherish the memories of the times we did get to spend together these past few months.
We will try to come visit as often as we can!
i cant imagine having my sister move so far away! elana has only been 12 hours away and now moving closer and that was hard.
i hope you are feeling better soon.
Here are the lyrics of a fitting song written when you girls were just a few years old by MW Smith. I have been singing it often lately when I think about Ruth moving.
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you.
Can't believe the hopes he's granted means a chapter in your life is through.
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone.
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways will keep the love that keeps us strong.
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say "Never"
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know.
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show.
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways will keep the love that keeps us strong.
Here he is singing it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPKaIozS-c&mode=related&search=
love,dad
We certainly share your thoughts and emotions to see Nathan, Ruth and Austin leave. It was so precious for us to spend one last day with them in Kansas and for Bryson to meet his beloved Aunt, Uncle and cousin! We can all stay close in our hearts, minds and prayers. -Anna
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