Stops Along the Way



The view from our guest bedroom window.  Wanna come visit?!  You're more than welcome!



I’m writing to you from the last place I EVER thought I would be living…California.  For a small-town, southern-midwestern girl, this is an odd place to end up.  Or is it? 

God has given me some pretty interesting life experiences thus far, so when something a little strange comes my way, my first response is to ask, “Is this from You, God?”.  In the 8 years that I’ve been married to my husband, we have moved EIGHT times and lived in SIX different towns or cities.  We have made friends with the homeless and the richest in the country, with the pleasure of knowing that many of those friendships will last a lifetime. We have fostered 3 children, experienced the loss of a child to a life exposed to drugs and homelessness, denied the chance to foster a son who would eventually  return to abuse and neglect, while also given the opportunity to care for a beautiful girl who will one day see how beautiful she really is despite the severe burns on her body, and given the most awesome gift of adopting our precious son. 

So I shouldn’t be surprised that God would take me across the country (from my family and friends) & plop me down in the middle of a country-side vineyard in a tiny town where I know no one. AND, my husband will be out of town half the time AND I’m caring for a son with special needs without the help of my family.  So what is it about this scenario that God thought I could handle?  Am I complaining?  Well, maybe a little…BUT, I know better.  I’ve been here before.  I have been in this place of utter dependence on my Creator and He has NEVER failed me.  He knows what he’s doing.  I may not see it or understand all of it, but HE has a plan. 

By now, you’re probably questioning WHY I would be complaining about living in a beautiful vineyard, nice weather, and a dream job for my husband.  I’m not, really.  I’m VERY thankful for the MANY blessings God has graciously poured out on our family, but I’m being real.  Even if our “outsides” look pretty and all “put-together”, our “insides” might be reeling with fear, anxiety, and disappointment.  I’m not there, but I do have my fears and anxieties that I have to lay at the feet of Jesus every night.  And, if I have those struggles, so do the many people that I meet everyday.  Friends and strangers.  Which brings me back to, “Why in the heck did God bring us here?”  He knew we could be used.  I’m not sure how yet, but I’m trying hard to listen and see what he’s doing around me.

This is a “Stop along the way”.  Along the way to my final destination, my promised eternal life.  I’m convinced that I should make the most of all of these “stops” allowing God to use and teach me.  Even our stop at home, in Missouri, with friends and family was life-changing.  Charley was able to grow to know and love his grandparents. I had the opportunity to work along-side some of the best therapists who share my passion for special needs children.  And I re-connected with friends who God intentionally placed back into my life. 

As I reflect on what God has been trying to teach me in the past several months, I’m reminded that He has a specific plan just for MY life (and YOURS!) and that all the “stops” are part of that plan.  

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord...(that’s for you, Mom!)

Love to ya,
Shell