A few weeks ago the kids & I were able to spend a night at our oldest daughter Demar’s apartment in Colorado Springs. While we were there Demar needed to give me a practice physical for one of her nursing classes. I eagerly volunteered… a free health exam, from a trusted nurse? I am in! I can’t remember every evaluation she did or every question she asked, honestly I probably was not paying very close attention to her with the other 3 crazies running around her small apartment. But at some point she asked me what my stress level was. I gave my usual answer to this question and said I had none. This was honest and true. I felt great. Demar suddenly changed from her nursing demeanor and became my loving 21 year old daughter. She asked in a rather strong and inquisitive voice… “How is that possible? Vonda you are moving half way across the world, selling everything and taking your three little kids… how can you not be stressed?”
I have thought about that moment several times over the past two months, and even more over the past two days. I can say now just 3 months before our estimated departure date that stress is starting to creep in. The lists are getting longer. Taking one day at a time is getting harder. The reality of this decision is becoming clearer, and so the stress is starting to creep in. I have kept it at bay longer than most would have… and I will continue to fight it and live at peace admits the storm, the stretch, the lack of time, the desire for clearer direction. Oh just writing it out makes my heart jump…. So here is how I will do it, here is how I paddle forward without breaking down. My answer is found in this one simple word:
Ponder:
To consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often followed by over or upon).
I think this must be my favorite word in the bible. Such a simple verb used in the most profound moment. Right after Mary was told she would give birth, a virgin birth to the savior of the world she did not panic or run or become overwhelmed with the CRAZY possibilities of the impossible word she just received. No, instead the scripture says “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” –Luke 2:19. As I think of her example in my life to ponder often means to act like a lady, calm & poised… she thought it through. We don’t even know her thoughts, but we sense her peace, her quiet spirit. Her grace and beauty as the mother of Jesus the Lord and savior… her act of ponder was simple and profound. I just love it!
So as I did the day I knew we would move to Guatemala… before George even told me we should. I will continue to ponder this season of our life. To fully grasp every moment on this journey between here and there I need to ponder.
Proverbs 4:26 says “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure” and then Proverbs 5:6 says “she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wonder, and she does not know it”
I chose to ponder…. Psalms 77:12 says “I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.”
I hope each of you are well and you take time to ponder what God is doing in your life.
When you have the time you can see more of what we are doing at http://www Godcalledus.com
These three months will be gone before we know it… each day is precious and I pray they are used just as God desires! Keep us in your prayers and send us some comments. We love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Vonda
