We made it to May! In just a few days, Shawn will be home.He has only been home for 2 of the past 12 months. There are just no words for how I feel…happy, relieved, excited…no, words are not strong enough.
Yes, there will be more deployments, but for now, for a little while, he will be home.
There is a question Marine wives hear a lot, “How do you do it?” Some days, through tears of frustration, I ask myself the same thing. How am I supposed to do this?! Some days it feels like I merely survive it. But when I really think about the answer to that question, I realize, the joy of the Lord is my strength. (Neh 8:10)
Years ago, another Marine wife shared a thought with me that has stuck in my heart ever since. When tempted to fear, to worry, to think “what if” or to dwell in self-pity – remember Philippians 4. Verse 8 says, Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Dwell on what is true.
The truth is, I have the the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension in my heart. Somehow, this blog, started as a fun new way to share life with loved ones spread across the country, has become a way for me to dwell on the truth during these months of separation from Shawn. It has been a way to see the blessings of goodness and beauty and even silliness in the everyday. In my posts, I am not trying to give the impression that my days are all blooming flowers and smiling kids and picture-perfection. I am trying to behold the beauty of the Lord (Ps 27:4) among the dirty diapers, the falling down fences, the fevers and the weariness…and God never fails to send those moments like bursts of wind in my sails. It is in those moments that I catch my breath and think, I want to remember this. Blessings are poured out on me daily (me?!) I am humbled and grateful and in awe of His goodness and mercy and love.
In just a few days, Shawn will be home…and the blessings just keep coming.
Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. -Deut 4:9
How eloquently you put it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Your words and example have blessed my life, for sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet friend!
I rejoice in this with you, sweet friend. Congratulations on the homecoming of your other half.
ReplyDeleteWe're counting down with you!!! Praise the Lord . . . it's only a matter of days!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put! Godspeed, Shawn.
ReplyDeleteI am tearing up reading this! We have been praying for his safe return - I am so glad it is so soon! I love the sign!! Take pics of the reunion - or better yet, have someone else do it!
ReplyDeleteLove to you all!
Kelli, Shawn, Tristan and Kenna,
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears of joy as I read this.
I'm so happy and relieved for all of you as you anticipate this family reunion. We have prayed for all of you daily and it's wonderful that Shawn will return in a few days.
Stay strong.
Love,
Aunt Katherine
hi. I connected to your blog because of the Remkes blog, and was blessed as well. We are on month six of a 15 month deployment, so it is encouraging to read your words as your husband is soon returning and we still have a long road ahead.
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