Right Where You’re Supposed To Be

If you are engaged or just out of a toxic relationship, you are right where you are supposed to be.

If you are a thin build, an athletic build, a cushy build, or like me a “pre-menopausal” build, you are right where you are supposed to be.  

If you have a positive pregnancy test…or a negative one, you are right where you are supposed to be. 

If you are exhausted working long hours to establish a career or exhausted as a stay-at-home mom, you are right where you are supposed to be.  

If you want to be adventurous or cautious, you are right where you are supposed to be. 

Can we just pause for a moment and thank God that we are right where we’re supposed to be?  That He created us each differently, yet in His image, so that we can each fulfill a purpose for His kingdom?  What an incredible blessing that each of us is right where we’re supposed to be.  

In the reflection of how great it is to be where God wants us, I’m reminded of how both Mary and Martha were right where they were supposed to be.  One in the kitchen, frantically trying to entertain and make things amazing for her guests, and one sitting at the feet of the Jesus.  

Imagine being the sisters to Lazarus, the man Jesus rose from the dead.  Now imagine getting to host Jesus for a meal.  I would likely be like Martha, scurrying around trying to make everything delicious, clean, and perfect.  I would very much like to be like Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet learning directly from Him while being present in the moment.

In Luke 10:38-42 (NASB), we see the women in very different roles; each learning different lessons.  Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word.  But Martha was distracted with all her preparations and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but only one thing is necessary: for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.””

Just like Martha, I often learning my biggest lessons after complaining about some minor infraction.  Often the Lord uses these types of scenarios to turn the mirror onto myself.  I have learned to institute some self-reflection prior to complaining…but I’ve also learned that I’m usually in a scenario right where I was supposed to be.  

Regardless of their roles, both Mary and Martha were exactly where they were supposed to be in that moment.  Dare I say, where they needed to be in that moment.

And just like every other scenario we “modern” women find ourselves in, we are right where we are supposed to be.

Come to the porch this week and tell us your stories!

~Emily

Waiting for Something: The Case for a Puppy

My 8-year-old recently asked, “Why don’t we have a dog yet?”

Our family has been talking about getting a puppy for a couple years, but we’ve always had parameters associated with it.

As soon as we buy a house, we’ll get a dog.

As soon as I retire from the military, we’ll get a dog.

As soon as this or that is done, we’ll get a dog.

My son has had enough of the waiting and now just flat out asks why we are still stalling.

I tried to think of a way to explain to an 8-year-old using a Bible story.  Sarah waiting on a baby, offering her maid to her husband? Nope, not a good 3rd grader type of story.  Lazarus raised from the dead? Pretty complicated for the 3rd grader. Woman healed with the blood issue? Not sure I know enough about it to explain it….

It’s so hard to be patient waiting for something we desire! Often it’s difficult to be patient with God too.  What does it mean to “wait on the Lord”?

There are a couple of key components to waiting on God. The first is a complete dependence on God and the second is a willingness to allow Him to dictate the timeline.  Both sound easy. Neither are.

I find myself praying, “Lord, give me patience…like, now.  Yep, now is when I need the patience.”

Practicing patience with God often involves waiting. When we wait on the Lord, we are developing strengthened character in our Christian walk.  That patience showcases our ability to trust the Lord. It strengthens our prayer life. In some instances, it may strengthen our desire to be into the Word more frequently.

The timing of the Lord is always perfect.  We just have to wait patiently.

The timing of the Shade puppy will also be perfect. My son just has to wait patiently.

~Emily

The case for a puppy