Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Life is good. Should I be scared?

If everything seems to be well, it's probably not. Just when you think hard times are over, something horrible is bound to happen.

Some people would call me pessimistic, but I really feel that I'm just trying to prepare myself. (Which, of course, never works.) With the Christmas season half over and things getting back to normal, it just feels like there is something looming ahead. Things are fine right now. We are almost recovered from horrible colds, we didn't overdo our budget, and everyone in our life seems to be getting along just great! The congregation is faithful and strong. Our kids are doing well with potty training. The house is nearly clean. Something I don't like is bound to happen!

Of course, I try not to dwell on it being anything disastrous or completely heart-breaking. I just wonder what appliance is going to break. What part of the house is going to need repairs? What will be the next debate in the Church?

I'd like to think that everything will continue to be well and get ever better, but I feel that I'd just be setting myself up for disappointment. I know I'm not alone in this. I know everyone tends to feel this way, probably a lot. I just wish I could shake the feeling and enjoy the good times more.

It is the bad times that my faith is strongest. It's always when I need God that I feel his presence the most. He always answers my prayers and it always works out to His good. (Which I later see is my good as well.)

"The King of Love My Shepherd Is"
by Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877

1. The King of Love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

2. Where streams of living water flow,
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

3. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me
And on His shoulder gently laid
And home, rejoicing, brought me.

4. In death's dark vale I fear no ill,
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

5. Thou spreadst a table in my sight,
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And, oh! the transport of delight
With which my cup o'erfloweth.

6. And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never.
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever!

Hymn #431 from The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 23
Author: Henry W. Baker, 1868
Composer: Michael Praetorius, 1610
Tune: "Ich dank' dir schon"

1 comment:

Melrose said...

CARA, THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!!! So honest, so raw, and yet so uplifting! I love that hymn.

I'm glad you're back to blogging because I check this often as I think about you all so often.

We are down to three months until placement and we are so nervous. I had a very strange dream about it the other night...it really seems to be consuming our thoughts these days.

I'm so glad to hear everyone is well. We are all well here too. The boys are healthy, though Elijah is still not crawling :)(though he's doing everything else development wise) Isaiah is a talker and knows his first five commandments and meanings. He's a good boy but is 3 in every sense of the word.

Well, we miss you guys. And we hope all stays well :)