And Through the Storm...We Give Thanks

You guys, Thanksgiving couldn't have come at a better time.

I've been a little blog/YouTube silent the last few weeks with good reason.  First, life was just busy--I was in Charleston, SC for YallFest and then at an Indianapolis library conference (which was so fantastic--I received the Outstanding School Librarian Award for 2015 AND I got to interview authors Katie McGarry and Lex Thomas in a panel session).  And then everything got crazy.

Our whole family either got a 24-hour flu bug or some kind of bronchitis virus.  So we basically all took turns either on the couch or nursing each other to health.

And just when things were starting to return to normalcy, I got a very unexpected phone call from Luke.

Luke lost his job.

We didn't see it coming, and it hit us one month before Christmas.  That was a hard hit.

But you know what?  We are so thankful.

In the midst of the craziness of the last week--realizing how my salary will not cover all the bills, assuming that companies don't hire new employees during the month of Christmas, knowing that none of our money can go towards any kind of "want" right now--we are so, so blessed.

Blessed with a community that jumps in before we even think to ask.  We had all of our meals provided this past weekend from co-workers, friends, and family.  My assistant graciously gave me plenty of space in my office so I could just think.  We had a gift sent to us in the mail that totally humbled us.  We've had family tell us not to buy them Christmas presents, a co-worker pray with me in my school cafeteria, and endless hugs, prayers, and talks.

Blessed with a God who loves us so fiercely.  He's been preparing Luke's heart in the last few months for this moment--a moment when Luke will need to lead us to live sacrificially and on mission. God knew we would need Luke's strong mindset and I am so proud of how Luke has given God the glory in all this.  We have found ourselves praising God for being so able to take care of us.  We are not bitter or angry at our situation--jobs come and go, but the Lord is so so good.  We're not embarrassed that we're having to live minimally--for we are rich in His constant love.

Life is harder right now.  We're living a life of buying only necessities and avoiding expensive entertainment (yes, this librarian will not get to see Mockingjay Part 2 in the theater!).  But our family is clothed, fed, and safe in a home and so we give thanks for these provisions.

So Luke and I are taking this week to pour into each other and our family.  Luke has repeatedly told me to brace myself for what God is about to do in our lives.  His plans are good and we praise Him for walking ahead of us.

Be back next week--thank you all for being part of our community.