I don’t know about you, but I had a YEAR in 2018. I think I felt every single one of those 365 days! Some days may be even twice!

So far, 2019 is still feeling the aftershocks of those days past…not necessarily in a horrible “we’re having another earthquake” kind of way but more in a “yup, it’s not QUITE over yet” way.

Know what I mean?

My holidays were rather wonderful…not perfect but certainly enjoyable. I accepted things as they were and was able to settle in to enjoy what I have while I have it. That helps to maneuver in the dust of the aftershocks…

My devotional today makes me think of the concept of time….so here I am.

I often write in my devotional books what may be happening on that day so when I read it again a year or four later I can see the progress or change in the circumstance. I do the same in my Bible- my momma taught me that😊.

By Isaiah 40:29-31 I wrote in March of 2016 that:

#1 I no called, no showed to work due to my own scheduling error (BIG oops!)

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#2 My husband was traveling for work so was out of town

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#3 My mother in law was deeply grieving the death of her husband and the weight of helping her fell onto me and my own grieving shoulders

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Empty Amy

In April 2017, I wrote about my own job insecurities and potential change due to downsizing. Scary.

In May 2018, I wrote about desiring a recovery for my Crohn’s and for healing for my friend with stage 4 cancer. Worried.

What the heck could I possibly write in 2019???

Hence, my devotional…

“Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark. The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation.” (Jesus Calling)

Oooohhh boiiiyy, have some of my circumstances ever been extreme…But the truth is, especially in retrospect, I CAN see the Power and Glory of God all around and in it all..

That makes me curious for 2019…one may say hopefully expectant of what is to come.

I still am battling Crohn’s ( I see my surgeon Thursday and have my Remicade infusion Tuesday).

My friend still is fighting her cancer (I take her for her CT tomorrow actually).

My husband still is traveling for his job (he leaves Sunday for Dallas).

My job is secure but I still don’t know what to do as I continue to pursue more/different ministry opportunities.

My mother in law is still and will always grieve the loss of the love of her life.

My family has grown +1.

I have been introduced to the world of severe depression and suicide awareness…and will never be closed off to it again.

We are approaching the 10 year anniversary of our sister’s death which was the catalyst for the Holy Spirit to radically move in me…

Time is a trainer alright.

When I think of training, I think of practicing repeatedly the same thing over and over, strengthening, disciplining oneself, not quitting, pressing on…believing I can do this.

All with a goal in sight.

What’s my goal? For the Lord to use me in the manner of which He sees fit and for me to trust in HIS plan and HIS timing.

He is my trainer.

#thischicksinpeace