Tami’s Meandering Thoughts

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

I cannot believe summer is almost over! For me this summer brought some new experiences and some challenges. I remember as we planned VBS and I was asked to be the “upfront” person in the opening and closing. Talk about out of my comfort zone! However, God worked it all out, calmed my anxious heart and used the week in both children’s and adult’s lives.

The first week in July brought the Thurber reunion. Although I began with no great anticipation of this event (see previous entries), I gained a deeper understanding of my husband as well as God’s provision through the generations. Now I would say that that day was a great memory for the summer!

Then, of course, there were new challenges for my children. Ryan and Miriam went to camp (which left Caleb with Tim and me – what a wonderful week we had connecting and learning about our youngest child!). All three of them began T-ball or baseball. Again, I can see God’s provision and my children’s growth as they learned even more to rely upon His strength. They also whole-heartedly participated in the planting, weeding and harvesting of our garden. In fact, they have plans for next year’s garden already! This spring trial became a wonderful family experience.

Our family vacationed with the Zerbe clan at Houghton Family camp. Many years I go too exhausted to participate fully in the activities. However, this year I eagerly anticipated spending time with my extended family. I think we all enjoyed the time together especially knowing that Brian and Jen will not be around for the next few years. In fact, I did not want the week to end knowing that so many changes were coming. However, again, we trust in God and know that we safely put our family in his hands.

While Tim and Miriam enjoyed the bike trip, the boys and I climbed our own mountain to another level of trusting God with family! The day after Dad, Tim and Miriam left Mom needed to go to the doctor. I offered to take her because she was so weak. After seeing her, the doctor admitted her to the hospital. The end diagnosis was a severe infection, but this was not a path I would have chosen. However, I loved watching my children reach beyond themselves and try to help Grandma, think through what she would like at the hospital and learn more about compassion.

Then last week we ended our summer perfectly with a few days of camping in the Adirondacks. I LOVE being suspended in time like that. There were no set times for meals, no rushes to be anywhere, nothing but enjoying each other’s company. And talk about peace. There’s nothing like canoeing on a calm (or choppy as one day was) lake, looking up at the tree-covered mountains rising up from the banks, knowing that God created all that beauty and that He allows us to enjoy his peace.

So, I reflect on the summer and see God’s paths and my challenges. But the overarching theme of my summer rested in knowing that God has control. Although life may surprise me, it doesn’t surprise Him, and He desires to carry me through. And he doesn’t just carry me on a stretcher barely alive on life-support. No, He carries me on eagles wings filled with the knowledge that I can trust Him, I can rely on Him and I can peacefully enjoy the ride He has me on.