Blank Canvas

This post may not have too much to do with Africa, but yet it does. If you have followed this blog at all you will remember in January 2008 we faced a decision about my job as my leave was not going to be approved. We chose Kenya and God chose to let me return to my job. Then when I returned to work in August, I faced a potential lay-off due to budgetary issues within the State of Illinois. On July 1, 2009 I began an at least 2 week mandatory furlough. The current budget slashes social services and completely eliminates substance abuse treatment services (through which I am employed). If the proposed cuts are not restored I lose my job. Seems like we have been down this road a time or two:) Today in HS Sunday School, Tim was teaching about fear and faith and talking about Jesus walking on the water and how just a few chapters earlier (in Matthew) the disciples had been fearful of a storm and although God calmed the storm here they again finds themselves worried about another one. I can definately relate. But God calmed the first storm for them and he calms the second. He has done that for us in relation to my job.

When news came of the furlough and possibly end of the agency I immediately turned to God. I know my job does not provide for me and that my God provides for me through my job and if he so chooses He can and will provide for me any way He wants to. For not even a second have we questioned this. We have been through this storm before and God calms it every time.

Coming home from Kenya this time means a huge unknown for Tim and I. Last summer we had roles we thought we were slipping right back into and for the most part things were what we thought they would be. This time it's different. I start a furlough that may or may not end, Tim's job as interim HS guy ended so the future is wide open. Talking the other day I mentioned that our life right now is a blank canvas ready to be painted. Never before in my life has this excited me so much. God holds the paintbrush in his hand and has all the colors we can imagine and fortunately He already knows what He plans to paint.

I am so ready for whatever picture He paints next. Allowing God to paint our picture, to write our story has been the greatest adventure so far and I am certain the best is yet to come.