I'm leaving on a jet plane...

Old song, new verse. Albert left today for Japan. After struggling emotionally and receiving healing from old wounds, I was joyful this morning. I can honestly say, I had peace and joy. Our past, in the military was bad, I mean horrible. Separation tried our marriage in so many ways. When he decided to continue in the Reserve this summer, I first denied the situation. I had thought we would be traveling with him and experience the benefits of home schooling. However, the reality set in when he was scheduled for a two week duty in Japan and we weren't going. I felt betrayed and I feared the change because of the past. Thankfully, God's promises are ALWAYS true. He was working all things together for the "good" as described in Romans 8:28. Issues in our marriage came out that we needed to overcome. I was called to "trust in the Lord" as Proverbs 3: 5-6 says "with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding in ALL my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my path." In the middle of my fit pitching, my friend Carrie took me to Mardel's on FM 1960, a great Christian gift/book store. I found a book titled "Finding God's Path Through Your Trials" written by one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth George. She is well known for her godly instruction for women and is the author of "A Woman After God's Own Heart". I read that book back in 2006 and it changed my mind on priorities and responsbility. It is a hard read because it is SO convicting. So if you need the counsel of a wise older woman who has been in your shoes read that book. Back to the trials, Elizabeth George was back to training me in this one too. I realized how spiritually immature I am. I moan, complain, and gripe about my circumstances. After crying my way through the book, I decided to try James 1:2 which says "my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." I wanted to see what the Lord had in store for me in the circumstance of Japan, the Navy and two weeks of separation. After all, He has never disappointed me when I waited on Him. His blessings have been painful but valuable. In the words of C.S. Lewis " He is not safe but He is good." My attitude changed and my behavior was not punishing towards Albert. I really chose to be excited about the opportunities afforded us both in the weeks to come. So that leads me to this morning at 5am as I dropped him off at the airport. I was definitely missing him but I wasn't devastated. I had confidence in a Holy God who is still on the throne.
He called me from Dallas and we discussed the morning Bible reading and we had JOY. We didn't miss out and we didn't moan, complain and feel sorry for ourselves. It was neat!
My first trial came in the way of my son, Ethan. We had a waffle brunch and he wanted more syrup. We've been instituting table manners for the last month. His brother, Christian reminded him to ask for the syrup. He however, got stubborn. That boy is part donkey sometimes. He refused to ask for it. He waited a few minutes and then hopped down from his stool and grabbed it off the table. He even said "now I've got it" with much contempt. I had already warned him if he didn't say please and ask that he would have to go lay on his bed and miss the movie the other two were watching after brunch. He then made a smart remark "I'll lay there all I want". Well, that cost him more than a missed movie.
After some time, I sent for him to come see me. He came down the stairs with his eyes shut. He wasn't going to "see me". Rebellion when you look at it is quite awful. I know he comes by it honest because I am the SAME way. I called him out on it and proceeded to remind him of the 4th commandment and then prayed for him. If you have a difficult child, lay hands on him and pray for him. I got that from Peter Fuhler from the Newsboys who said he was a handful as a child and many people laid hands on him (in more than one way!). He turned out to be mighty servant of God so there is hope. I spoke to him about repentance. I offered him the choices he had. It required a lot of patience on my part but I can't help but remember how much patience I have received from the Lord. He has and is waiting on me the same way in so many areas. I chose to have this go on in the rocking chair in my room. It is soothing spot and was used to nurse him when he was a baby. He, despite trying to maintain stubborness, layed his head on my chest and snuggled up to me. He finally said he was sorry and bounced off to play with Kara and Christian. I love forgiveness. Thanks, Lord for trial #1.