No Matter What

On Sunday, the children's minster at church (shout out to Rae!) was sharing with the kids that sometimes we have big dreams or plans and they don't go as hoped. She asked them how it made them feel when something they were so excited about didn't go as planned. They shared that they would be annoyed, sad, angry, upset...she countered these words with phrases of and also, and yet, no matter what- speaking to the fact that even though our plans may go in a different direction, God never leaves us. No matter what really stuck with me.

I spent much of the weekend with my big kids. I love being in their presence and hearing their stories, their goals, their triumphs and their struggles. One was dealing with medical bills that were going to use up the tax return and stressing over the costs of daycare and diapers. I remember those days like they were yesterday. We benefited greatly from parents who told us- no matter what, we are here for you, we can help. I was able to carry that generosity DNA forward and offer the same. No matter what kiddo- as long as everyone is safe, healthy, and together- we can help you navigate through the tight spots.

Kid number two is about to graduate from college. It's a pretty scary time to be entering the workforce with jobs that you thought were a great option suddenly no longer funded and entire agencies no longer searchable on the web. We had long conversations about moral values, dreams and goals, what could of been, what should have been, and the seemingly bleak prospects for what is. No matter what kiddo, we will have your back. Those values you hold so tightly to will see you through. That amazing gut instinct won't steer you wrong.

A year ago, I was wrapping up my position as the executive director of Connections Shelter. My decision to leave had been percolating for a while, but was accelerated by circumstance. As a person who prides herself on plans and solid strategy- I was stepping out of a solid job into the complete unknown. I panicked. I started applying for totally random hospice chaplain jobs and seeing what it would take to renew my long dormant nursing license. My people sat me down and told me- no matter what, we've got you. We will journey this road with you, you are not alone. And time and time again in prayer the Holy Spirit whispered trust; God no doubt reminding me that no matter what, I was beloved, cherished, and what was to come next would be beyond what I could dream. Hindsight sees it's true.

No matter what...I think this may become my new waking mantra. No matter what the day brings, no matter what holy hell was executive ordered overnight, no matter what bill lays unpaid, what grief simmers, what hopes are dashed- no matter what- God is with me. And you know what? No matter what, God is with you too. It might be hard to tell somedays in the midst of the chaos and cacophony of our culture but God's there. I don't know about you, but it helps to know. To trust. To believe it to be so.

A Blessing:

Hopes crumbled

Paths unsure

Doors closed

Uncertainty abounds

God whispers, No matter what, I am here

Countries in turmoil

Madness at the helm

Anguish for the people

Uncertainty abounds

God whispers, No matter what, I am God

Hard diagnosis

Unexpected grief

Mountains of debt

Uncertainty abounds

God whispers, No matter what, I am holding you

Day to day grind

Fatigue from the ordinary

The beautiful, the terrible

Uncertainty abounds

And God whispers, No matter what, I have hope.