I saw a quote the other day on twitter…
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” –C.H. Spurgeon
I’ve been thinking about it for the past few days.
Kiss the waves…
The waves…
annoyances
frustrations
problems
struggles
The washer breaking, getting rear-ended while driving my girls to the park, my girls not getting along, a homeschool day not going as planned, a miscommunication between Jeremy and I, an unexpected expense, a problem with a friend…
waves that either throw us into a spin of emotions or cause us to let go and crash into the safety of the Rock of Ages
waves that teach
waves that grow
waves that clean
waves that break through selfishness, pride, anger and hurt
waves that produce health when they are tended by Him
waves that give us a choice of how we will respond and where we will turn
Kiss the waves…
Lessons I’ve been learning. Lessons taught by motherhood, marriage, friendship, family and being a pastor’s wife.
Daily, practical lessons of clinging to the Rock of Ages.
I’m facing another wave…
A wave of sickness. unknown sickness.
A wave that makes me unsure of myself and frustrated with my limitations.
Not looking sick even when I feel horrible
Not having feeling in my hands or feet
Not being able to do the things I’ve always done
Not knowing what will set off symptoms I can’t control
I used to power through anything. No sleep, busy schedule… no matter what, I could keep going.
Now, in preparing for a big trip to New York City with a friend, I have to think of things like “How am I going to carry what I need for the day without my arm going weak?” or “Am I going to be able to walk all day?” or “How am I going to stay up that late?” or “What if my limp comes back when I’m trying to experience the conference and the city for the first time?” I’ve even thought things like, “Ugh… I wish I could wear cute heels all day like I used to!” and “Hmmm… I wonder if a roller bag would look too dorky so I don’t have to carry my stuff!”
Things I never used to think about.
Things that never would have crossed my mind.
“Of course I can do those things!” would have been my reply…
Not anymore.
The wave has caused me to realize my weakness, my frailty, my vulnerabilities.
The wave has caused me to realize that I really can’t do much in my own strength.
The wave has caused me to rely on the Rock.
So, I kiss the wave.
I am thankful for the wave.
I am thankful for everyday frustrations that cause me to run to Him on a daily basis.
I am thankful for the big, life-changing waves that cause me to learn complete dependance on my Rock.
Are you thankful for the waves?
I love this post…with all my love! A thousand yeses to every word. What an amazing quote by Charles Spurgeon…and perfect applications in your post, my friend. Continued prayers for you, beautiful Jenilee.
Great post – the first thing I thought of when reading about using a roller bag though was that Dara Torres (Olympic swimmer) used a roller bag! So don’t feel dorky using a roller bag, feel like an Olympian! 🙂
Yes, I’m thankful for the waves. I’m inviting His waves. I have been procrastinating on getting things done around the house. I keep finding “other” things to do b/c I’m uncertain of what I need or should do to get ready for our first year of homeschooling. This morning, Tom and I prayed asked for direction. And your post has help me realize, again, that it’s ok to know and feel that I can’t do it on my own. So I turn, again, to my Rock today and invite his waves knowing that he will steer me and place me where I need to be. Thank you and God Bless.