A Little Help- Perfect Provision

I have a confession to make. I share this believing that I am not alone. On the contrary, it is my belief that many can probably relate, all too well.

In the midst of this time of great blessing James and I find ourselves feeling very overwhelmed. So overwhelmed, in fact, that we have been struggling. The word James used to describe this sensation was "drowning." I have many words I use to attempt to convey my frustration, but tears generally muffle the words.

Picture an overworked, exhausted husband whose number one desire, above anything else, is sleep. He's a mere 28 years old but often says he feels like he's middle aged. He works 80+ hours a week. On top of his daily work responsibilities he feels the weight of his job pushing him to read the most up to date medical journal articles so he can practice the most current evidence based medicine. He also has a test date that looms in the near future. The all important Step 3 Licensure Examination. He knows it will be critical to brush up on all subject matter that will be covered so he can perform as well as he has on Step 1 and Step 2. This busy man isn't alone. He is married to an increasingly pregnant woman. Day by day she meets new limitations as her body restricts her from doing things she once did with ease. This man loves his wife and he longs to contribute to their home. He is just spent. Raw and, at times, on edge. She is, too. While he gets his precious sleep (4-5 hours a night) she tosses and turns as the busy baby kicks, her tired husband snores, and her body aches. She hopes she, too, will get 4-5 hours of sleep sometime that day.  These two are a scary combination. Both physically and emotionally exhausted and in the middle of a trial. In need of great grace.

That's a glimpse into our current home life. It's tough. We are so blessed with so many gifts, and yet, we are often reaching the limit of our personal strength. The demands of our daily lives are growing. We wonder if we can stretch to meet them.

I am reminded of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. I am reminded that in my weakness, Christ's strength is made perfect. In James' weakness, Christ's strength is perfected. God's grace is sufficient. Could we ask for a better more powerful strength to hold us together? Even at my best, my perfect strength pales in comparison to the perfect power of our God. WOW! What a sweet, sweet gift!

That is our prayer- that God will be powerful in our weakness. That we will allow Him to work in our lives. I think James and I believe that our God is more than capable of taking all of our trials and struggles from us and yet, we both know He allows them to shape us. These trials, however big or small, have the power to form us into the people He desires us to be; the doctor, the nurse, the spouse, the child, the sibling, the friend, the neighbor, the parent we are called to be.

These trials also offer us a unique opportunity to display humility. We confess our weakness and call out to God for His help. His provision, just like His power, is perfect. We are amazed at how he provides and blessed beyond words.

Enter our family.

James and I are both blessed with loving parents, caring brothers, and an amazing sister-in-law. Their encouragement and support have been priceless. It means so much to pick up the phone and hear their kind voices, to know they are excited about our lives and believe in us, even if we don't always believe in ourselves. Recently their support has extended beyond the phone.

This last weekend James' parents, James, Sr. and Cheryl, visited us in Indianapolis. Their visit was just what we needed. We finally got the Christmas tree taken down and put into storage. Our carpets were cleaned, drapes hung. Our home experienced a bit of a face-lift. All the while, I sat watching (they didn't want me to have to lift a finger) and James slept (he had just gotten off a 30 hour shift.) We were humbled and blessed by their love and service. Again, a bright grin stretches across James' face as he pulls the curtains open and lets the sunshine in.

Two days later I received a package in the mail. My mom has graciously donated a few of her long flowing skirts to my cause. They will stretch and will never be the same, thus they have been sacrificed to the ever growing bump. The package didn't only contain the two skirts but gobs of other options to fit my changing shape. A grin stretched across my face as I pulled on clothes that made me feel pretty and comfortable, again.

My mom and dad will be visiting next month. James' parents will likely return to help with the nursery. I've had so many cousins offer to share their hand-me-downs and baby gear with baby Peppers.

While I believe God could have sent us a package directly from Heaven with all the things we needed, His ways are different, perfect. He uses the body of Christ. He uses our family and friends to demonstrate His love for us. And the really cool thing is it causes us to feel closer to our family.  It offers a specific way for them to minister to us and show us love. It also makes us sensitive to others who may, too, find themselves in need.

We are so blessed by our family. We are blessed by our God. We will continue to embrace our struggles and eagerly await God's perfect provision! Maybe we will even be part of others' provision!