It’s been a cold week.

So…
Death has been at the forefront of our minds lately. It seems to be the dying season. 3 family friends have died in the past 2 months, all somewhat shockingly. The third has had a TREMENDOUS impact on our family, and will for months–perhaps years–to come.

1 week ago today Drew’s boss had a heart attack and died. Sure, he had many of the dangers associated with heart attack-big beer belly, stressful situations, lack of exercise or activity-but the man was 40 years old with dedicated wife & 3 young children.

Although we don’t know the depths of his health issues, home life, etc. Drew has a fairly good grasp of what was going on with the business side of this man’s life. It wasn’t good. Things had been spiraling downward for several months, in unison with his health problems. As many times as people say to themselves “He’s going to kill himself”-when the implied has done just that, those same people are still shocked.

So. How does one deal with all this? There’s a business without an owner, a widow who deserves to mourn, and employees trying to keep up with jobs with no means to buy gas, let alone equipment to finish these jobs, or real hope of the next paycheck.

I could continue on like this for a while, but what I really want to say is this:
The Lord saw this all coming, and although it stinks & is impossible to explain, our family has been utterly provided for. Drew has been building his own company for nearly 1 year & it is in JUST the right spot to start taking more clients & for the type of transition is taking place. Not that life will continue as normal-it won’t. But, a terrible situation, that could have left him back at square one, may actually turn into a blessing. To type this I feel completely insensitive. I don’t know the inner-workings of the Creator, or how He picks what events will come to pass-but, in all the sadness, shock, sorrow, & grieving we can see a glimmer of His providence.

I don’t generally spend time on here witnessing or sharing my “religious” perspective. I hope that if you REALLY know me, that’s understood. I suppose I think that blogging about it would be redundant & a bore. I aspire that my lifestyle points more clearly than any words of mine ever could.

But, I have to say this. I have to share this because it’s difficult and painful and a little bit exciting. I think the Lord has a funny way of working and it usually requires our blind obedience. I also think that pain and discomfort are something to be thankful for, not only because they make us stronger but because they seem to keep us on the path He already knows. If Drew’s job had been great & just what he wanted, he wouldn’t have ventured out on his own, which has been difficult & time consuming. But it was unbearable & he did, thank heavens.

On top of all this there’s more greatness. We’ve known for some time that my sister & her husband would be moving to the area & we were hoping Drew would be able to offer him a job when he arrives. It looks like that is a great possibility! What a blessing to have someone you can trust so completely as an employee?! And, we have other friends who need part-time work that could make Drew’s business the answer to all our prayers. There seems to be a definite light at the end of our paycheck-to paycheck, sans-insurance lifestyle. & even if there’s not, I am just so grateful for a husband who is so dedicated to finding and following the path of the Creator.

on down that path we go…

oh. & keep your eyes peeled for a “chicken” post.

And here’s something I bought for Leviah today-couldn’t resist.