Volume 158: Rest in Prayers Answered

During the week of Rapid Fire, Frannie shared with Debbie something that really got her thinking. In this season of sadness in closing out Chattanooga chapter, Frannie reminded Debbie that God is currently answering a BIG, LONG-TIME prayer request: Debbie getting to be with her husband!

It may not be exactly as planned or expected, but God has answer!

There was even a time Debbie was considering moving to Saudi Arabia if it meant her and Wade could be together...

And now, here they are, in Mt. Ida - with the comfort of some people and the place that their relationship began!

After Debbie shared this with Wade and I, I began to ask myself: 

WHAT PRAYERS MAY GOD BE ANSWERING RIGHT NOW, THAT I MAY NOT BE NOTICING BECAUSE I AM DISTRACTED BY OTHER LONGINGS? 

I can often get caught up in my frustrations or longing, which causes me to lose sight of ways God is currently working. 

Right now, I'm back in Chattanooga, closer to my family, love my church, slower pace of work, less stress, have great friends and am growing in my faith. 

My only complaint? 

My specific job role...

Why?

Because I'm bored... 

Seems SILLY... May I learn to be content, knowing that there will always be things in life that aren't exactly as I want them. 

While I have SO MANY things to be thankful for, my mind sets a sole focus on the negative. And my mind can cause detrimental, uncalled for funks. God bless all who deal with me in the midst of one!

As I am continuing to learn more about myself and my patterns, I am trying to grow in three areas:

REFRAMING.
FLIPPING THE SWITCH.
FINDING THE GOOD.

When my mind is closed off, I have reached the point where it's hard for me to articulate my thoughts and emotions, but at the same time, I need to be able to talk through it all to get it out of my head. 

I struggle with feeling like a burden, feeling great, self-driven pressure to "find the right time," and wanting to explain every little small thing of myself - which comes to exhaust all involved, especially myself. 

This past week, during Rapid Fire, I hit one of those funks. Acting like a pouting 13 year old kid...

In her great kindness, Debbie gave me the invitation, "Do you have something on your mind? Are you going to tell me about it?" 

While the first question was quite rhetorical, I was thankful for her to start the conversation. 

With a time planned to talk later in the day, we began the morning by diving into Scripture together, reading 1 Timothy. The perfect book to read with Debbie, a mentor of mine - my "Paul."

That same day, we sat around the same table, but had a different conversation, yet still one that Debbie is all too familiar with - me struggling with my role. In my isolation the weeks prior, I had gotten so far in my head, in a negative direction. Therefore, I shut down as soon as the conversation began... But Debbie showed great patience and grace, as usual. Even though it's hard for me to see good in the moment, and I become quick to disqualify things before giving them a fair shot, I do listen and eventually process. 

With practice in this area, Debbie has seemed to have mastered the difficult task of talking to me when I am in the funk - she listens, encourages, challenges, and, most importantly, always points back to truth and God's word. In the most natural way, full of passion. 

The next night, after I had processed and had time to think, I offered a good ole ~reset fist bump~. From there, life went on. I sat at the table, eating cheerios, watching her unique Christmas wrapping techniques.

I had wanted to hit reset all week. But I couldn't get out of my head. There wasn't even a specific "ah ha" moment that made me feel better or changed anything...

I think I really just need time and space and to be able to feel like I am able to get it all out - freeing my mind - that I am heard. 

And even now, I'm still not sure about my specific role. 

But, may I resort to gratitude!

That I have a job! 
That I didn't feel any stress about my summer during Rapid Fires!
That I have flexibility in my role!
That I work with great people! 

That all around me, God is answering prayers!!! May I focus and give thanks for that!

May I be quick to reframe my perspective to being one of finding joy and good rather than ruminate on frustrations. 

Father, would you be the focus of my mind. Help me to not get so inward focused, but to think of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and in thinking of such things, receive your peace. I need your supernatural comfort and peace.