Transition Time

My sister has had the first of four (so far) surgeries, journey that began two weeks ago today.  This time we are in is NOT what author Henry Blackaby in his book Called to Be God's Leader, a study of Joshua, would refer to as "transition time."  Now, more than ever, though, I am thankful for times of transition.

What, according to Blackaby, is a transition time?  The time in-between.  Joshua's 40 years waiting to enter the Promised Land...that was a tremendous time of transition for Joshua, the time between having entered the land with the other 11 spies and then, 40 years later, leading the people across the Jordan River.

What is a transition time?  That time when everything is going right, the time between valleys.

During such times, we need to be a Joshua.  During his 40 years, he learned, he studied, he followed, he prepared for his time when the Lord would call him to action.

So often, though, when life is good, we do not dive into The Word as we should; we do not meditate on the narratives of the Bible; we fail to spend time reflecting on the what He has done for us; we waste time not allowing the Lord to speak; we just do not study to show ourselves approved.

Why not?  During the good times, we stay even busier instead of slowing down and spending time with Him. AND He wants us to enjoy life, to be a disciple, to display Christ-like characteristics, to lead others to the knowledge of Him.  BUT He wants me to spend time with Him, so I am better prepared for the valleys.

Yesterday, I took a day from visiting with my sister...or looking at my sister, as she lies in ICU, fighting to recover from this Journey of Judy.  I took a day to go to church, to sit, to rest, to absorb, to study, to learn, to refresh.  I just needed this day of transition to pause and prepare for whatever lies within the minutes of next week as Judy's recovery begins, continues...or restarts...as this journey has already been quite the roller coaster ride.

I suppose I see Blackaby's term transition time as having the same purpose of the Sabbath.  The Sabbath is not a day to do nothing.  The Sabbath is a day to spend with The Lord, a day to rest in Him, even a day to work for Him, to teach for Him, to reach towards Him.

How refreshing this transition day was.  Just what Dr. Jesus ordered.

Time: Where Are You?

A month since I posted!  Really?  Where does time go?!  AND I have much to be writing.

Such as...

1. Sat in an ER room with a friend with kidney stones, full of infection, yet always ready with a laugh. There in that room, about 1 AM, the Lord used my mouth to help direct to which hospital she would NOT be sent.  I felt sooooo strongly that she should not be go to the one she mentioned.  Why?  Not sure.  Just knew that traveling there was not His Plan.  Sometimes, He uses us in the dead of the night to be His Mouthpiece.  May we ever be willing to travel.
2. For the last two Sundays, I have taught youth Sunday School, leaving my former class where I had spent the last several years.  Sometimes, one has to move on.  Sometimes, one has to fill a need.  Sometimes, one receives a blessing in both.  This past Sunday, we had two newbies, who seemed to be sponges, absorbing nuggets from each topic. Please help me pray that they return.
3. Last Friday, several of us attend the Compass Fall Banquet.  Fun!  The food filled.  The fellowship fulfilled.  The tables inspired (we were asked to create our own centerpieces.)  The desserts sweetened (one of our ladies won second!)  The theme motivated.  Yes, a success.  
4. On Saturday, two others and I joined about 100 ladies from across the state for the 2nd Annual Women's Leadership University...where I won two tickets to hear Beth Moore next year in Hot Springs.  Yay!  Yay!  This was such a blessed day to spend with Jesus Girls.  A full day of learning and being reminded why we do what we do.  (Did I mention I ordered four books while there...thanks to the book recommendations by the speakers?  I may never recover from my book-buying love.  Just do not see that happening in the near future!)
5. Now, I sit here...as my sister recovers from quite the major surgery.  Bless her.  While I enjoyed breakfast this morning, I watched and listened.  To a young man, who sat and blessed his food.  To an older son (50ies at least) argue with his mother.  As I left, I left some money with the young man for his lunch.  He blessed me.  Maybe I blessed him.
6. During the time I have sat with The Sister, she has mentioned both days that mom and dad have come to pray for her.  Mom and Dad are in heaven.  What this says to me? The Sister has been really sick and she desires the prayers of people who she knows has contact with The Great Physician.  She would appreciate your prayers, also.

I know more has happened...but The Sister is snoozing.  In case you have forgotten or are blessed enough to not know, when the patient sleeps, the one staying should also snooze, for hospitals are not always a place of rest.  Goodness!  These hospital helpers just do not sleep!

Blessings!