Signs

It's probably safe to say, at this point, that this week has been profoundly challenging. Work is officially my least favorite topic and it has turned into a monumental disaster. I wish I could say more, but at this time, suffice it to say I have a long road and an even bigger fight ahead of me. However, in the midst of all the drama, confusion and angst there have been little signs and reminders. These signs of hope and reminders that all will be well have given me peace in what is most important in this life. All to often I believe we get too caught up on the domain we occupy between the hours of 8-5 that it literally begins to define us. So much time and energy is expended into or onto a world that will not say thanks for all you have done when it is over. It will use you up and take whatever you give and leave you wondering where the time went when you look at the precious time that has slipped through your fingers.
As I was walking to my car this Wednesday, to pack up the contents of my office, I found a single red glove in my path. This may not seem very extraordinary or significant to you but it certainly was for me. This was the matching glove to my favorite set of gloves that I lost 5 days earlier. Last Friday, I was busy running errands all around, to and fro, and by the time I got home I noticed only 1 glove remained. Needless to say I was pretty bummed, but no big deal, I mean after all it was only a glove. But 5 days later as I am walking to my car, after a very tough and solemn day, the other red glove is in my path. I immediately cracked a grin and looked up to my father and said thank you. Thank you for putting your hand out with this silly little gesture. It made me smile when I needed to smile more than ever.
As the days have gone on each day has brought some little sign, some little glimmer of light and hope, as I stare down what feels like the most gloomy path. Thursday brought more beautiful chosen family, as we traveled to NYC for a trip that had been planned for months. How timely to get away and spend time surrounded by sweet friends. It also brought quiet moments in the morning where I could hear our Lord speaking to my heart, telling me "All will be well. This is the way it must be. I've got you."
Friday has brought the amazing opportunities to create life long memories with trips to One World Trade Center and the Brooklyn Bridge. I took this sweet photo of my 3 year old son Barrett at the top of One World Trade Center (see below) and sent it to my husband who is currently deployed. I got the most tremendous response back from him that brought tears to my eyes. He said to me "Think about it....that's our three year old American standing at the top of the World Trade Center, holding a ticket and over looking the country we are serving." THINK ABOUT IT!!!
Signs are everywhere we look and actually usually right in front of us. We must only choose to be conscious of our surroundings and hear the whispers that are telling us exactly what we need. Telling us that all will be well and life is so much bigger than what we perceive it to be in our day to day grind. Maybe its when we start losing sight of that precious time that we need most to draw away and take a little vacation to allow ourselves the quiet and new environments to see the signs and take them in as God intended.