s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d

The past five days have stretched and grown me.

Wednesday I cleaned the church after evening services

so that on Thursday morning

I could drive 200+ miles to Ohio by myself for the first time in years

so that on Friday 

I could drive another 150+ miles by myself round trip to visit family I haven't seen since Bill's funeral more than a year ago

so that on Saturday I could regroup 

so that on Sunday 

I could go to Westerville to see more family before coming home.

Why would I intentionally "put myself through all that"?

The answer is simple.

I want to enjoy life and the people I love.

I cannot do that if I avoid doing the hard stuff. 

I experienced tears, smiles, giggles, laughter, hugs, prayers, 

wise counsel, silliness, fires, times of quiet, healing.

I saw God at work in my life and in the lives of people I love.

Tonight I am worn to the bone.

Was it worth it?

Yes, a thousand times yes.

Did I or could I do it on my own?

No.

Nada.

Never.

Not a chance.

Guess what. I am not expected to.

I have people who love me and lift me up in prayer.

Please do not make the mistake of thinking I am strong.

I am weak. Any strength you see in me is Jesus leaking out.

Any weakness you see in me is me trying to work life on my own.

"...I bow my knees before the Father,... that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:14-21