We had an amazing time visiting my family in Kansas. Laynie & Gideon got to meet their newest cousin Brooke! It was such a sweet time, so naturally I was a little sad when we left my cousin’s house early this morning. But we have another destination to reach..
There is a small stretch of highway from Kansas to Nebraska that is beautiful. There is literally nothing but valleys and hills as far as the eye can see- truly untouched by man. We had just come to the top of a hill and as we looked down, the valley below had a long, winding road that disappeared from sight. However if you looked way off in the distance, you could see where the road would continue to the top of the next hill.
I’ve bragged on my husband many times because, to put it plainly, he’s awesome. But as we silently drove through this beautiful scenery, he amazed me yet again with his conversation starter. He pointed out the landscape to me as he questioned, “How easy would it be to go through life’s valleys if we could just see the top of the next hill?” As I listened to my profoundly wise spouse, I fixed my eyes on that next hill and thought about how right he was…and with a smile on my face I replied, “I guess that’s where faith comes in.”
As we drive to Omaha we are praying. Not just for safe travels, but for God to increase our faith (Luke 17:5). You see, there are decisions that need to be made regarding our son Gideon. He’s been accepted to be a part of a research project in Omaha and we are going to meet the doctor who is leading the study. The details are insignificant right now because I’m honestly not educated enough at this point to adequately share details. All we really know is that it’s a drug study and it is not a cure. After we meet with this doctor I will be able to share more about what it all entails and whether or not Gideon will be participating.
But the drive through these valleys to get to our destination has been tough. If you’ve taken a road trip with children (especially young children) then you know what I’m talking about. Every few minutes Gideon cries and Laynie asks, “Are we there yet?” They can’t possibly comprehend that our destination is close, though to them, it seems so far.
As my husband and I were talking about the valleys of life and our faith, I wondered if God thinks I sound a lot like my children. How many times have I come before The Lord with tears and cried, “Are we there yet? Is my time in this valley almost over?? I can’t see the final destination!!”
Unfortunately there are just times when we can’t see top of the next hill. That’s where our faith in God comes in. We have to trust that HE is the one in the drivers seat. He knows where we are and He can see the destination even though we cannot. That’s why 2 Corinthians 5:7 says “For we live by faith, not by sight.” And Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” And while the valley may be a dark & difficult journey, we know we are not traveling alone. (Matthew 28:20)
I’m not sure what highway you’re on during this season of your life. Maybe you’re like us and you find yourself in a valley with big decisions to make. Have you let God take the drivers seat? Maybe you have, but you’re like me and you’re a terrible side seat driver (Kevin just silently “Amen-ed” that). Would you let God navigate? He doesn’t need you to read the map…He laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4). So we can be confident that “He’s got this.”
Omaha is close for us. Its not our final destination, just our destination for today. So please pray for us today and tomorrow as we make some big decisions for our little guy. No matter what we decide we are confident that God knows the final outcome and He has the final say.
Wednesday our final destination will be home. And for that I’m glad. Trips are great, but home is best. As I look forward to being home, I can’t help but think, shouldn’t our final destination always be Home?
Lord, carry us through these valleys and increase our faith! Set eternity on our hearts (Eccl 3:11) and never let us forget You are coming again. (Rev 22:12) Home with You has always been our final destination. Amen.
So eloquently put as usual Sam. Family is so amazing, glad you got to visit them! Best of luck in the days ahead. HE knows our fate and the journey we will take to get “home”. 🙂 safe travels!
Thanks Genevie!! It was a great time. I appreciate your comments, love and encouragement!!
Hey let me know if you want me to come help you at all tomorrow with Lainey. I’m down in Lincoln but need to come to omaha sometime this week anyhow. Please call me if I can help in anyway. (402) 432-0109. Praise God for this opportunity. Praying for answers for you and for God to give you clear direction.
Jacey, we are leaving Omaha after his appointment tomorrow but we are stopping in Lincoln to meet a new friend for lunch! How cool would it be if you could join us!?!!! I don’t know details yet but Gideon’s appointment is at 9 and we are hoping to head to Lincoln around 11 (so we would be there around 12?). Ill text you tomorrow as we leave his appointment (not really sure how long it will take.. So we could be there earlier or later.)
sounds great just let me know =)
Ok! I will!! 🙂
You don’t know how much your blog means to me. My prayers to you & your family! I also live in Omaha area…
so many times I wanted to reach out but it is so hard to put it in words.
Sometimes there’s no words…just hugs!! If you can come for breakfast in the morning we will probably be the only family eating breakfast in hotel lobby!! (See reply to comment below!)
Oh no I just seen this! I would have loved to meet you but I pray our paths will cross again! Please let me know if you stop in this area again. Thoughts & prayers!
No worries!!! Ill let you know next time we are up here. Probably will be in 6 months!! Take care friend!! Thanks again!
Crazy that so many people I’ve come in contact with live up this way!!! We are leaving Omaha tomorrow after Gideon’s 9am apt but we are heading to Lincoln to meet my new friend Shannon (and possibly another new friend Jacey!). I don’t know details just yet because we won’t know how long the apt is, but we think we may be in Lincoln around noon. It may be a drive for you but you are more than welcome to join! Also depending on how close you are to the Embassy Suites (I think its technically La Vista area but its by Cabellas), you could join us for breakfast in the hotel lobby around 7:45!!
My sweet loved ones. You are in my prayers. I pray for God to open you minds and ears for understanding and confidence for decisions during this journey. I am lifting you all up right now. Love always
Love you Aunt Wendy! You’re the best!!
TODAY’s devotion from Love Worth Finding (LWF.org)!
Going Through the Valley
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Psalm 23 is perched between Psalm 22, which tells about the crucifixion of Jesus, and Psalm 24, which is a prophecy of the coronation of Jesus. It is beautiful trilogy about the Savior’s cross, the Shepherd’s crook, and the Sovereign’s crown.
Psalm 23 is the valley between the blood-drenched slopes of Mount Calvary and the sunlit peaks of Mount Zion. Thank God for every valley, because there must be a mountain.
ACTION POINT:
If you are in the valley today, remember that you wouldn’t be there had there not been mountains to cross. There is vision in the valley and hope in the hills.
View or Share online | Discover Jesus | Read the Bible | LWF.org | Today’s Message
Fran, I love it!!! I am going to have to sign up for those devotionals!!! How funny that was today’s devotional. Just what I needed to hear (which was obviously no coincidence!). Thanks Fran!!
Thank you for sharing your story. Y’all are all going through so much with such a strong faith. You are all an inspiration to us. We have been challenged & our faith tested over the past 9 months with our foster to adopt little 4 year old boy. At times we have cried and ask God the same thing, but you know I have never thought about until I read your blog tonight about the valleys and hills. I read your blog to your cousin Larry & it brought him to tears too. Although he blames it on allergies. :0) This season of our lives has been difficult & fearful that he could be taken away from us, bunches of legal stuff, that could go on for years to come before we can finally adopt him. But We are trusting in God to handle this, we know God put Danny with us for a reason. Whatever that may be, for life or just a little while we are giving him love, family and most importantly helping him to know about how very much his Heavenly Father loves him. The faith you, your husband & family have is amazing. You are an inspiration. We are praying for Gideon, and all of you and the decisions you need to make. Y’all our on our church’s, friends and several prayer chains. Safe travels. We love y’all. Larry & Jeannie Beck
Jeannie, thank you so much!! I just love you guys! I’m sorry you guys are having to go through all that but you’re right- your purpose in his life may be just to show him the love of Jesus while you have him. We love y’all so much! Thanks for sharing your story on here!! Hugs!!!! And God bless!!