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Friday, September 12, 2008

Slip-N-Slides in Your Desert


Oh, how a year can change your perspective.

Last September, we deposited our son, Jordan, in his dorm room, and I was one sad mom.

What’s worse, I think he was unhappier than I was. His expression clearly communicated, “What am I doing here? I don’t even want to be here. This is a mistake.”

I would’ve preferred that he couldn’t wait for us to leave. Even though he’s old enough to vote and live with a complete stranger in a tiny, musty dorm room, when your child feels insecure, your heart aches.

Throughout the year, Jordan grew more and more acclimated to campus life.

In May, he returned home, and thus we began a wonderful summer with him and his laundry. Before I knew it, it was time to make the second deposit.

Imagine my surprise when I received his first email this year:

Probably one of the best weekends ever. We set up a slip-n-slide, and at first, it was us and another guy, and it was starting to get lame even though it was fun. Then groups of people started showing up, and eventually, we had over 50 people slipping and sliding. We also had at least another 30 people actually sitting and watching, like it was a performance. So that went great. Me and Drew were kind of dubbed the most welcoming room and the room with the best chemistry between the two roommates. It's a lot of fun living with him. We will probably be hosting a lot of movie nights. Classes are okay so far.

I’d say he feels pretty good about being there now, wouldn’t you?

As seasons come and go, there are moments when we think, “How did I get here? I don’t want to be here!”

When we’re lonely, it’s important to remember that scripture is full of promises that the Lord never abandons us. For instance, Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

When we’re dreading job interviews, root canals or new school years, we need to remember that prayer can change things, working out kinks in the circumstances or in us. We can end up not merely enduring but rejoicing, like my son did.

In fact, God loves catching us off-guard, turning our expectations upside down:

Do not remember past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look. I am about to do something new … I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

God cares about what you’re going through. He can make a way in your wilderness, and if he chooses, instead of a river, he can put a slip-n-slide in the middle of your desert--because he knows exactly what you need.

Whatever your trouble is, pray, and then watch with expectant eyes: He is about to do something new!


Questions

1. What burdensome circumstance will you trust God for today?
2. Do you have a personal story about a time God put a stream or Slip-N-Slide in your spiritual/emotional desert?



Please visit Linda Crow at her personal blog:

















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11 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

I enjoyed this, bless you.

September 12, 2008 at 3:08 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I enjoyed as well. It's so easy to forget to give it to Him, no matter what it is. He wants it!!

Great article - thank you! (I'll have to suggest this to my daugther when she goes off to college *wahhhhhhhhh*)

September 12, 2008 at 7:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes! God is always ready to do something new and wonderful! That is the hope and promise that fuels my life!

September 12, 2008 at 9:05 AM  
Blogger Susanne said...

The part where you said to pray and then watch with expectant eyes for God to do something really hit me. Too many times I do do the praying but then not really watching with expectant eyes. I turn around and try to fix it in my own human way. I need to get those eyes looking in expectation!

September 12, 2008 at 9:36 AM  
Blogger Sunny Shell said...

Oh sweet Linda!

Isaiah 43:18-19 is one of my favs! It often reminds me that God didn't put our eyes on the back of our heads for a reason! :-)

And yes, I remember countless times God has put a stream in the middle of a "dry desert" in my life (and unfortunately, I've probably forgotten just as many).

Your devotional was a good reminder of how I need to be still and meditate on the ones I remember and pray that God will recall to me the ones I forgot so that I may be more grateful and less pitiful. :-)

Bless you dear sister,
Sunny

September 12, 2008 at 10:26 AM  
Blogger Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

I am in the desert right now- both literally and figuratively. This is the third time I have heard about the desert this week! God is speaking to my heart. Thank you, Linda!

September 12, 2008 at 12:27 PM  
Blogger Today's Christian Mom~ said...

This came at just the right time. I received a call yesterday about a circumstance that I have to fully put in God's hands because I can not handle it. Thanks for reminding me that he will!
~Venus~

September 12, 2008 at 12:29 PM  
Blogger SmilingSally said...

I came back; glad you got the link connected.

I did the Friday meme for the first time. It was fun. Come see.

September 12, 2008 at 1:01 PM  
Blogger windycindy said...

I have been there with my oldest son! He ended up coming back home this year and attends a university near us! I count on God everyday to keep us safe and content. Thanks, Cindi

September 12, 2008 at 1:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a picture you've painted. Got the same one hanging in my house! :)

One of our pastors always says:

"You're only as happy as your least happy child!"

Wish it wasn't true but Lordy, Lordy it is!

I have a 19 year old son in college also... just moved out also...dealing with the 'sad mom' syndrome also... but God is good and my boy is happy and finding his way now... also. Wanna start a club? (support group:)

September 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM  
Blogger Missy said...

Great analogy.

And wow, I will pray for the same steadfast faith in the Lord that those girls must have to go down a slip in slide in a bikini.

September 12, 2008 at 9:28 PM  

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