Lamentations 3:21-23
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
I love to start things.
I love the challenge.
I love to look at things when they are fresh and new and I also like to create things out of nothing. How about you?
Years ago back in 1996, I had quit my job to stay at home with my first born Chelsea. I wasn't sure after my husbands cancer years earlier if kids would be in our future, but God had plans to bless us with a daughter in July 1995. I went back to work after having her only 3 weeks later. I realized at the time that I didn't want to miss anything so I gave my notice and there I was with her at home. I loved being with her everyday. Right after I left many employees would call me saying they missed me and that I should start my own business. I thought that was crazy actually. I did miss my work and a few months later I did start my own company. I didn't have many plans for it, just to help support us a little bit, let me get joy out of doing what I loved (helping others), and then be able to be with my little girl too.
Well it took off faster than I could imagine. I just did what I loved and was faithful to the agencies that we worked for and did the best job I know with my little girl in tow. In those days we worked with beepers and faxes. I remember I would be faxing something and feeding Chelsea. I loved helping others and still be able to be a full-time mom. I took a leap of faith when I started that company. I never meant for it to flourish really. I was just being obedient and pushed through the fear of the unknowns with it.
We ended up selling our business about nine years later to help our newly diagnosed second child Charlie who has autism. It was a whirlwind and I cried when I left the company I had built from nothing. Now someone else was running the ship and I would miss all those that helped me along the way and who I had built strong friendships with. God had other plans.
God then had me be a full-time mom to my son Charlie who at the time he was around three and a half and not talking, lots of tantrums and odd behaviors were happening daily. He wasn't potty trained and it didn't seem to be in our near future. We moved away from what we knew and began again a new journey.
Every year I have looked back to reflect on the struggles and the celebrations God has given me and every single year I look forward to what is coming next and wish for a brand new start. Do you do that? Even if it was a fairly good year, do you want a fresh beginning?
I do.
These last 4+ years have been so challenging. I have learned though so much through the deep, hard struggles.
- God is always there.
I have learned through all the highs and lows He is always there for me to lean on. I can depend on Him. Sometimes others in our life we cannot. They let us down. I know that no matter what time of the day or night it is, He is always there to listen. He is patient, loving, and sovereign.
2. God is growing me.
As I get older and older I have seen the deep, hard struggles that I have faced and I have seen first-hand how God has grown me in those tough times. He grows me more in those times than when everything is status quo. He sharpens me to be more like Him during these times. It is painful at times, but He is faithful.
3. God is pleased.
I am not perfect and don't even want to be. I do want to be obedient and follow God's will for my life. My motivation each and everyday is to please my Lord. I want Him to be proud of me like my earthly father was proud of me. I want to stand at heaven's gates and hear, "Patty, you were amazing with your children. Wow you were a great, faithful wife. I loved how you helped those children at your school. I saw you." This is what I want to hear. I want to always honor Him and please Him. If I have that focus than selfishness, greed, dishonesty, and bitterness won't get in my way. Every morning driving to work I say to the Lord, "What can I help you with today?" It scoots me out of the driver seat and keeps reminding me how I am helping Him, not how He is helping me.
Keep your eyes and thoughts focused on Him and He will give you a fresh new start every day.
Who knows what is in store for me for 2018 or even tomorrow? God already knows. I just need to keep asking, "What Lord can I help you with today?"
May you look to Him each day for new starts, new visions, and new strength. He will give it to you, just believe and be faithful to Him.
Blessings,
Patty Myers
