Rejoice

For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. -Psalm 92:4

aaaaahhhh!!!  Rejoice!  Rejoice!  Rejoice!!  

It has been 9 months since I have last blogged.  Wow!  I seriously feel like I have been hibernating for the last 9 months!  However, I am awake!  In the last nine months, my youngest son graduated from high school, and all three of my boys have moved away...out of state!  My oldest moved all the way to Oklahoma, teaching adorable kindergarteners with his unending passion, energy, and light.  My two youngest decided to join the military to serve and protect our country and our freedom! I am a proud Marine Mom and a proud Air Mom!  And, in June and July, as my sons each left the nest, I somehow found myself frozen, in a hibernation state....I found myself zombie-ing through each day (with my incredible husband, who was also in this crazy zombie state right alongside me).  Until now, I look, and we are in December.  I wonder how exactly I've made it here...but also wonder, how in the world do I wake up, get my butt in gear, and focus on the fire of the Lord, the light that remained, the love that comforted, and the grace that so patiently waited, embraced, and forgave my ridiculous treading water state of mind.  I know. I am probably the only "zombie", "treading water", "sleeping through life" person out there, but just in case, I have to tell you!  A few days ago, I self-reflected in the mirror of my soul, realizing my light was dim, my faith was small, and my enthusiasm...weak at best.  I prayed, I prayed, and I prayed!  God, I am so sorry that I have focused on my circumstances, particularly my empty nest, rather than focusing on YOU!  I want my fire back, Lord.  Help me to shine brightly, may my joy be in your strength, may my praises be in you and not my circumstances.  I swear, he had to have said, "It is about time Lisa, my love."  About this time, I was in the word in Philippians 2:14-18...

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.  But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.  So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Somewhere in this I heard, Lisa, quit your whining and complaining...and REJOICE!  Rejoice!  

Wow!  He gave me a season of broken heart mourning, and now, he says, enough complaining...REJOICE!

Through these verses, he literally lifted me from the slimy pit that I had been camped out in, and rescued me.  He rescued me, and I, in awe REJOICE!!!  I rejoice on the firm footing of my Savior!  I rejoice in who He is and ever will be!  I rejoice, not because my nest is now full, but I rejoice in His plans!  I rejoice in His favor, and His ever-abundant grace!!  

While there is a season for everything, we cannot camp out in any season!  It is time for me to pack up my tent with hands held high and rejoice!  I rejoice, not as the "zombie" I was, but as the new creation he has created me to be for this new season that he has prepared in advance for me!  AMEN!!  TODAY, I REJOICE!!!