So I haven’t been blogging much lately, or even been very active on Twitter…and I definitely have been neglecting my Facebook page.
The reason? The Busy Season.
We’ve all experienced a busy season before, and I’m finding that this one is particularly difficult. I’m also finding it to be a great time of sanctification.
About two weeks ago, my beautiful and very pregnant wife, Collette, went in for a scheduled prenatal check-up and found out her blood pressure was too high. They put her on bed rest. As these things always go, it couldn’t have come at a worse time!
First off, I’m naturally worried about my Collette and the baby’s health. I’ve been praying earnestly for good health and a joyous pregnancy. But bed rest, while it is necessary, brings its share of frustrations both for Collette and for me.
So, along with running my company, serving at the church, and keeping up with my online hobbies, I’ve also been Mr. Mom! It’s a good thing I can make a mean roast.
But the stress level has been high, and I’m seeing all the crap I’m so good at hiding float right to the top.
Thankfully, God is gracious, and is working through this time to point out some areas in my life that really need to be sanctified.
Patience
Oh, boy. This is a biggie. I want things done now, and I want them done my way, the right way, the first time. Unfortunately, my three-year old, Liam, doesn’t really care. The reality is that I have too high of expectations for my little guy, especially in times of uncertainty. He knows something is wrong, but doesn’t know what. To top it off, my impatience causes him to lash out in negative ways. The LORD is showing me that I need to become a more patient man.
Control
I’m a take-charge kind of guy who is used to being in control. I pride myself on order, and hate seeing things fall through the crack. As such, I start to quickly lose it when I’m no longer in control, and my veneer cracks. The LORD is showing me that I need to stop worshiping the idol of control, and rest in his sovereignty.
Pride
Because I like control, I am often too prideful to ask for help. Thankfully, I serve alongside Godly and humble men who have reminded me of my need to ask for help. Though it’s hard, I’m grateful for those who have served me and my family during this time. The LORD is showing me that my pride is evidence that I still don’t fully realize that I can do nothing apart from Him.
Above all, the LORD has used this season to remind me that I’m a sinner, and that I must find my righteousness in Him alone. Too often I cruise along, thinking I’m doing pretty well, but as we all know, adversity reveals the impurities in our heart. I thank God for His grace, and am thankful for His sanctification process.
In all this, I find comfort in James’ words, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kind, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
If you are going through a hard time, I encourage you to seek God and count it joy that He is allowing you to grow in your faith in Him. It can be hard, but the end result is a character that is more conformed to the character of Christ. I thank God, that He continues to work in me.
Please keep us in prayer, as we go to the doctors tomorrow to monitor Collette’s blood pressure.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.