Yesterday, I worked around the house, getting
Stillestead decked for Christmas.
And the holiday jovial feeling has not arrived quite yet.
Once again, I am fully aware of how stress plays a significant role in life.
It has really been a challenging time, especially with Christian's job.
I have learned that patience is a crucial virtue in his line of work.
It requires a lot of patience to start a business
that relies on the economy and investors.
But I have also come to understand that patience alone is not enough.
We need faith, and we need hope, too.
Patience that the thing I need/want will one day happen, and I can
tolerate hardships without exploding.
Faith that I will be OK with whatever happens, and that
God is really genuinely listening to my prayers.
And, hope that while I'm waiting for the thing I need/want, I don't
need to die in fear because
I can expect good things with confidence and an open heart
because God loves me and wants what's best for me and my family.
All three must work together to help us overcome hardships.
I feel like I have had to learn and relearn
this same principle over and over again, but haven't we all?
We're not alone.
God knows.
He always always knows.
Then He sends someone or something to happen that changes
the whole situation and direction, and you realize your belief and faith were
sustaining you all along, and God was always there.
We're getting close.
We're not there yet, but we're close.
Just like my Christmas spirit.
It's not quite there yet, but it's close.
