We talk a lot about symbols in the Barrett house.
Jared points out things that he sees and we attach meaning to them...
Some of our faves ...
Jared: "Look, a cross, a cross!"
Me (or Tim): "What does that remind you of?"
Jared: "That Jesus died on the cross for my sins so that we can go to Heaven" (and lately, he adds ... "to Heaven and the earth" ... mixing a little Genesis 1:1 in there. ha!)
or...
Jared: "Look, a dove!"
Me (or Tim): "What does that remind you of?"
Jared: "The Holy Spirit" (and we talk about how the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove at his baptism)
or...
Jared: "Look, quail!" (we see a lot of quail where we live)
Me (or Tim): "What does that remind you of?"
... and we talk about how God Provides and retell the story of how the Lord provided quail and manna for the Israelites when they were hungry in the desert.
I have been thinking a lot this week about God's provision. I know it is a truth He is working deeper into me through this experience...
On Friday, after returning home from the hospital, a wonderful woman who has experienced this same heartbreak more than once prayed with me over the phone. She kept returning to God's perfect provision ... I could tell that she has the wisdom and deep heart truth of this aspect of God's character woven deep into her through her own life's trials and triumphs.
I've been praying about this and asking God to reveal more ...
As I have read and re-read the prayer of St. Theresa, I love the last phrase and the peace that comes with it ...
Whoever possesses God
lacks nothing--
God alone is sufficient.
lacks nothing--
God alone is sufficient.
Yesterday, when I left the house to go retrieve the boys from the Riccios, two quail ran from our front yard to join several more across the street ... one struggled to keep up with a lame foot. I cried as I am reminded of God's provision.
Last night, while talking with my sweet husband before falling asleep I recounted to him this story and how I know the Lord is wanting to teach me about his provision. I admit that my understanding is so shallow. Before this week, I don't know that I have ever really experienced suffering. I have always felt the warm favor of the Lord in always having more than we have ever needed ... I know there is more to this provision than I yet understand.
Tim talked to me about how provision goes beyond material needs ... that provision refers also to God's providence and the sovereignty of God.
I have so far to grow in this area ... if you have any insight into this, I would love to hear it.
Here is what I do know ... I am grateful for my Good Shepherd and Teacher and that He is sufficient.
Last night, while talking with my sweet husband before falling asleep I recounted to him this story and how I know the Lord is wanting to teach me about his provision. I admit that my understanding is so shallow. Before this week, I don't know that I have ever really experienced suffering. I have always felt the warm favor of the Lord in always having more than we have ever needed ... I know there is more to this provision than I yet understand.
Tim talked to me about how provision goes beyond material needs ... that provision refers also to God's providence and the sovereignty of God.
I have so far to grow in this area ... if you have any insight into this, I would love to hear it.
Here is what I do know ... I am grateful for my Good Shepherd and Teacher and that He is sufficient.
1 comment:
Stacy,
You are so right. In all of our trials and experiences, the Lord is constantly wanting to teach me that He is my provider and the One who will sustain me through it all. I questioned for so long why the Lord didn't save my first baby when He had the ability to do so. I knew He didn't CAUSE the miscarriage and I didn't blame Him, but what I struggled with for so long was that He could have stepped in and made the outcome different, even miraculously, and He chose not too. THAT I had a really hard time with. In fact, it took me over a year to hear the Lord telling me that He was using that to teach me more about Himself and His provision and especially His Grace. That His grace is sufficient. If we never went through suffering then we would never truly understand His character and His grace...how could we?
It doesn't make it easier, and I still don't like it, and I am especially sad and hurting when I see one of my dearest friends have to go through such a difficult time, but I DO know that God is sufficient and He will and is providing for you! He loves you and this third Barrett child more than you can know. I think our children are up in heaven becoming the best of friends. I also believe that even though they never saw the light of day here on earth, that God still has a purpose for them, and they are living it out in heaven. I can't wait till I go there and not only meet my child but yours as well!
I love you my dear, sweet friend!
Christy <><
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