Temple cat stretching
Originally uploaded by tanakawho
STRETCH!!!! Come on now, you can do it!
Think about this with me for a minute . . . you can stretch a buck, wear stretch pants, get stretch marks, stretch your legs, stretch your limits, spend some time on a stretcher ( hopefully not!) - the list goes on and on.
We were recently stretched when the Lord made it ABUNDANTLY clear that we were to find a new church home. It wasn't something we wanted to do - it wasn't fun. It wasn't easy. It was very scary going into new Sunday School classes where we didn't know anybody. It was a little disheartening walking into a large sanctuary, not seeing any familiar faces, and knowing that we could be somewhere where we were not only known, but loved.
Maybe you've been stretched recently. Maybe it's a marriage in crisis, or a sick and hurting loved one. Maybe it's feeling like you're in a dry spell spiritually. It could be financial strain - we've certainly been there, too! Whatever it may be, hold on - and keep stretching.
You see, just like stretch marks in a pregnancy, the reward is worth it in the end.
Because in my life, the times that I've been stretched the furthest are the times that the Lord has revealed Himself to me the most. Whether it's His calming hand in the midst of a storm, or just His quiet, yet overwhelming Presence - I know that I will never be alone. I serve a God who cares about me and my daily struggles and cares. I serve a God who will never leave me or forsake me. If my marriage has hit a rough patch, He is there. If I lose a child, or a mother, or a father, He is there. If my husband loses his job, He is there. If you've struggled with infertility, or if you've had a child on the verge of death, or if you're struggling with just what you need to be doing next, lean on Him. Let Him hold you. He is there.
I'm just beginning to reap the benefits of our recent stretching exercise. I am getting to know some pretty awesome ladies through working at VBS this year. They've all been stretched to differing degrees in their lives, I'm sure, and they've all got something different and unique to share with others. Our world is so enriched by the relationships we have with people, and if we let ourselves, we can all help each other so much.
So pull up those stretch pants, and don't give up! Don't fear what's outside of your comfort zone - embrace it for the growth that you know will come!
Except for maybe public speaking. It doesn't count.
"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Psalm 16:11
I needed to read this one! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMargie, You are an excellent blogger and I enjoy all of them. I have missed blogging this week, but Bridget and Clancy are here and there's just no time. So glad ya'll are enjoying NMBC. Love hearing about your life through blogging.
ReplyDeleteYuck, the idea of stretch pants (or should I say me in stretch pants) at this point made me sick to my stomach. lol Love getting on here to read these. Thanks for sharing. I have felt a little more than stretched the last few weeks of my life-kind of like my stretch pants, a little too much being shoved into a worn out piece of fabric. Whew-I know that stretching in all areas of my life has benefits to it, I am just always in a hurry for the positive results-that being patient thing always gets me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys! I'm enjoying this blogging thing much more than I imagined I would! Mrs. Lea, I've missed your blogging this week, too! Jill, I understand . . . I like fast results, too!
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