The laughter of our three oldest children as they walk in through the garage door, after getting ice cream together on a Wednesday night. Joy.
The breakthrough of a precious new friend during the wee hours of the night through patience and full presence, beginning to trust that friends can be safe places. Hope.
The bravery of the young boy, using his words to express what is swirling around in his belief system about himself after years of holding it inside. Healing.
The God who reaches down and pulls out lies planted by unhealthy acquaintances and leaders, friends and family members, society, and ourselves...and lovingly pours in the truth after I bravely break open my box. Trust.
The return of care from someone close who was offended and put up walls when there wasn't enough of me to invest in all of the people who wanted to have my attention.
The smile that lost it's place on a daughter's face returning. Redeeming grace.
The heart shattered by loss, beginning to allow itself a voice and a place to be seen.
The see-er, full of kindness, entrenched in grace, bringing a second party into the grief room that was once only available to me. I am seen.
The 23rd Psalm, gifted everyday in song, in devotion, in morning conversation between parent and siblings on the drive to school. A forever belonging written in the book of life. An announcement that there is a table with a place setting just for us, right smack dab in the middle of the enemy's presence. Invited.
An affirmation of dreams. Steps forward.
It happens in the smallest moments. After days of defeat. After seasons of hardship and failure. After sleepless nights spent caring for sick children or praying for breakthrough. It happens in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations, especially when the outward appearance screams "never." I believe it is in those small moments that the Lord comes in and says "never underestimate the power of the One true God and the way I delight in fighting for my children."
As I breathe in and as I breathe out, may I have gratitude for these little moments where great love is evidenced, even and especially when the path is unknown and I can't see the end of the stairway. May God forgive me for my fixation on the path and may my eyes be fixed upon Him. May I share with others freely what has been freely shared with me. There is deep rest in the Lord, through every circumstance.
Hannah Stutzman
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