Training Pods, Rejection, and His Enduring Love
Well, yesterday was moving day! We moved into KK’s place and have settled in. She has a very nice home, and Tom is enjoying the internet connection for his computer while I’m enjoying having mine back. :) It was such a blessing to stay with M and L—we are so grateful for their kindness, hospitality, and generosity! I pray that we were as much of a blessing to them as they were to us.
On Friday, I was talking with SW and MJ before lunch, and I explained how I’ve been seeing each place the Lord has brought us to as a kind of “training pod.” In each place, God is teaching us something new, or revealing areas in ourselves that need to be removed or refined.
On Saturday, I had lunch with CT, and she gave me some tea called Get a Grip for PMS and menopause! I laughed because I soooo need help in that area. I guess she (and everyone else) knows how much I struggle with it. I’ve come to the conclusion that the Lord uses those times to bring the “dross” to the surface in me—because I can see so much ugliness come out. Lord, help me shed that ugliness and replace it with godly traits. The scripture that keeps coming to mind for me in those moments is:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
—Philippians 4:8
The Lord has also been keeping me busy with the new ladies He keeps bringing into my life. It’s so amazing to watch Him work in people’s lives—and such a blessing to be part of it.
Today, as I was talking with one of these ladies, her story hit me hard. I realized she had gone through major rejection. When I named it out loud, it resonated in my own spirit as something I feel myself. I recognized that when I think Tom wants to spend more time with his computer or TV than with me, I feel rejected. I don’t think I’ve ever put that into words before, but it describes it well. When I shared this with Tom, he was very receptive and agreed that it made sense. Now I just need to make sure I’m enjoyable to be with, so he doesn’t feel the need to “hide” from me and escape into those things. :)
This Christmas season has been interesting. I don’t have a place of my own to host Christmas, but the Lord has given me other ways to celebrate. I’ve helped a couple people decorate, and I’ve made holiday goodies (fudge and cookies) for G and F. KK’s house is beautifully decorated, so we have a tree, lights, and even a fireplace if we want one. God has given me Christmas, just in a different way this year.
In my study time today, I read Psalm 136, and I love it because every sentence is followed by the refrain: “His love endures forever.”
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever…
Amen!