I knew that I would have a problem the minute I agreed to blog. I love to write, but was concerned about committing to put something out on a regular basis. Why? Because everybody has something to say and most of us wish they would talk to themselves more often. When I got into Christian Retail it became glaringly obvious that not everyone should write book. (Sorry I tend to go off on tangents often.) Anyway, I have struggled for weeks to come up with something worth saying. Even today I stared at the blank page for a long time. Someone even suggested that with Independence Day approaching I should talk about how we are losing ours in this country. Well, since I am one of the least politically astute people that I know, that would not be a good idea.
The first attempt was titled It Takes a Village to Raise a Child. The old African adage resonates with me as my husband and I are now caring for our 8 month old granddaughter nearly full time, with the assistance of our 20 year old boy/girl twins. (My oldest son is a single dad who is not in a position yet to handle her on his own.)
Then came First Sunday; when we decided to open up on Sundays, we were not sure if people would boycott or support us. As believers we can be dogmatic about what we believe, good and bad. It has proven to be a good decision.
My most recent attempt, The Church, was about the love I have for my church as a wonderful example of the NT church outlined in the Bible. How they surround you with love through good and bad times; how they are the biggest supporter of this store even though it is not in their community; how they hold you accountable and stand firm on the Word of God.
Nothing worked.
As I took my morning walk around the plaza, it dawned on me. These things reminded me that I can not look back over my life and remember a time when I was not facing a pretty significant obstacle personally or professionally. It also made me realize that I can’t remember a time when I did not believe, it’s gon be alright. I love my life. Really I do. If you know me you have heard me say this often. Through marriage trials, 1000 mile moves, layoffs, audits, house fires, car wrecks, closed businesses, wayward children, and the brink of financial disaster; it was alright. With each opportunity the Holy Spirit welled up within me and reminded me “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So as I face a 16 hour drive with an 8 month old whose teething and has a sinus infection, it’s gon be alright. With two old cars, (one 15 years old, and the other crossing the Sky Way bridge and driving nearly 100 miles each day on really bad tires), and four adults with very busy lives, it’s gon be alright. As we approach the slow season in Florida retail that may determine our longevity, it’s gon be alright. With every step in the daunting task of petitioning for temporary custody of my granddaughter, it’s gon be alright. While searching for a babysitter, paying college tuition, looking for cars and managing a business and home, it’s all gon be alright. In fact it will be better than alright, because he has gone before me and paved the way. I am excited to see how the Lord works everything out. No matter what He does, it will be nothing short of amazing. Just like His grace and His love.
