The readjustment was harder than I expected. After a glorious wedding with our daughter and new husband, three exhausting weeks prepping our PA house for sale, and a three day journey by air, land and sea; we were finally back to our Philippine “home.”
The first morning I felt energized and excited— and unpacked all 14 suitcases! But the three boxes we had sent ahead, full of mostly things to share with the people we minister to, sat untouched and mocking me in the corner of my room.
Finally my husband was able to encourage me to tackle that last project and get our room in order. We were unpacked and at home.
But I still felt overwhelmed.
Burdened and doubting and very aware of my own shortcomings and limitations, I brought my situation to the Lord in prayer.
My struggles with learning the language to the level that would make me most effective. Two young children in the tribe experiencing significant developmental delays due to brain trauma and there’s no such thing as “Early Intervention” here. 168 molting chickens. Two new patients in the provincial hospital. Rain everyday and a very leaky roof. Dog fights at night. Roosters in the morning. Restocking a kitchen when shopping is inconvenient at best. Mildew everywhere. Mosquitoes at night. Ants everywhere. School to restart. Things that need fixed around the house. The joy and opportunity of visitors. A dear friend who desperately needs our help this month. Missing Thanksgiving and family at home.
I’m sure there’s more, but you get the idea….
And I bet you’ve been there, too.
Your laundry list of complaints and needs might not look like mine, but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has experienced this.
And then I was silent.
Which is hard.
But so important.
And in a little while I started to feel the burdens lift.
And I heard the still small voice of God say: “One day at a time. Just do the next thing.”
I don’t know what answer I was expecting, but the one I got, was the same one He’s given me before. “Just do the next thing” has carried me through life with four kids under 4, through life with rebellious teenagers, through moves and transitions and heartbreak.
Then Sunday morning, as we worshipped with our Ati brethren, the youth shared a special number— that 1974 iconic country song, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus.” And I knew that song was for me.
My friend, God is very present in your situation, even when it’s overwhelming and He feels far away. Get in His word, and then get alone with Him. I believe He has a word for you, too.
And it just might be, “One day at a time….”
