Feast or Famine

So a week ago today was my first day unemployed. Layoffs due to financial constraints which is a sweet relief that it was not for poor performance. There is a profound calm to have to lean on God's everlasting arms when the change is not your own doing. I worked for a church and on this same morning God spoke a verse into the deepest part of my spirit. I am reading the Bible chronologically for the second year in a row and this time around I am asking God to get personal (not let it be just a fact finding expedition).  He knew exactly what would mean billions of words of encouragement to me -- especially on this last day serving my church which I had done for the past 15 years and when tears threatened to draw unwanted attention. The earth is [mine] the LORD'S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. Ps 24:1.  It was a rush for me hearing, don't worry about the next step, I own it all and there will be a place for you. I know people and I have all the 'stuff' you will need.  How dear and close I feel to Him.  So this past Sunday, just two days ago, to observe a recommended season of rest, I went to a new church alone without my SwtHt who is still working for the church that let me go. It was strange as SwtHt and I have left our house together @ 6:30am for 15 years of Sundays first as volunteers and then as staff (him fulltime and me part-time) loving every minute of belonging.  Now I was heading through church doors on my own probably greeted by another one just like me who got there super early and has been meeting the people of her church for a myriad of years.  I could appreciate every volunteer's gesture of giving and sensed God's joy. True joy is a God essence. I was poured into that morning and ever so grateful for anyone who finds a place to voluteer or work with a church.  Creating such a family atmosphere is worth the time for all the 'me's' that come needing a filling. 

I am vibing off this verse, excited and full of anticipation.  I've seen good days and tough days.  My SwtHt and I are seasoned veterans in following God to places we do not know.  God knew what was in store for me last June fulfilling a simple prayer request when I asked for a distraction to keep my heart set on Him through a tough season by bringing a grandbaby into our family and under our roof.  Bliss arrived by means of a full house and a place to serve my family. So, at her mommy's request, we went out to buy fabric for some classy bibs and I delightedly whipped up a few seeing as I have the time. Filling my mind with creating a pattern and fussing about the fit of course.  My daughter says our sweet little Miss E is styling.  I say, God knows so well what I need.  My heart is fervently grateful for family and babies and yes, churches too.