eleven years in a box.
Life throws us all a curve from time to time. Sometimes we see it coming with just enough time to duck, but other times it beans us right in the side of the noggin. At that moment, we lie there beside home plate looking at the sky, and the typical parade of emotions passes by— shock, fear, grief, anger, resolve, and evenutally peace.
I’ve walked the path of the unexpected a few times. And I’m finding that each retrace of these steps makes the walk feel familiar enough to be strangely comfortable. Kind of like putting on a pair of well-worn slippers after a long day.
How do you react to life’s curve balls? What do you do when eleven years of memories, of people, of laughter, of creativity, of tears, of ministry come to a close and you walk out with just a box? What do you do when you lay your keys down on the desk for the final time and in that micro-second your mind is flooded with thousands of sentimental snapshots?
From experience, I can tell you that the well worn path to peace is Thankfulness.
Want proof? Listen to the words of Job. “The Lord gave me what I had…and the Lord has taken it away…Praise the name of the Lord…” – Job 1:20
So… thank you God for the ministry you did through me for this time. Thank you dear friends for your graciousness. A pair of well-worn slippers is calling my name.
You are such an incredible man of God and I am so thankful for your example of grace, peace and love. God has amazing things in store for you and I can’t wait to see what He does. Blessings, Jeff. You deserve them!
You have been given such a gift of words – when to use them, how to use them – one of your many gifts He has given you, I assume. May He wonderfully bless you in this next phase…..in your own words, remember He is following you…..I bet He even helped you carry that box. Take care. I will be praying for you and your family. I appreciate you!
Jeff , I was reading Job the other day and even though you are going thru the uncertainty of the unknown, be certain of this He will never fail you. We have a choice, to be fearful or faithful. There is something wonderful around the corner waiting for you and your family. I am excited for you, He is going to do amazing things with and thru you!!! Please keep us updated!! God Bless…
My heart is broken for you and Ingrid. Know that every day that you gave of yourself, every phone call, every email, every loving word given was noticed. Lives blessed, hope given. Every tear, every hug, every sacrifice. What is not acknowledged by a few is not the majority. What you did to the least of these…. I cling to that thought and I hope that it brings you peace. Your sweet spirit is a treasure. We pray that the slippers are on for a only a short time and that God opens the next door for you. Our love to you and Ingrid!
You and Ingrid have given of yourselves selflessly–and it has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Scott and I have you in our prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help in any way.
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