Home…where God provides

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

This weekend, I wanted to go home, like hop on a plane and go to Milwaukee.  

This past Friday, I received the worst kind of news,  like horrific, unbelievable news, and my friend needs me.  Like for real, who is going to hug her, who is going to tell her the truth, who is going to just look at her and say, I have no words.  4,300+ miles… I’m too far away.  

On Saturday, there’ was a wedding, my friends were all together, no not all of my friends, but the ones I spent the majority of the last 20 years of my life with, together having fun, posting pictures.  I want to be there.  

Saturday, also, my daughter arrived back home after a week long trip, with almost no communication, I was happy that I could at least begin to text and snapchat again, but in reality, I wanted to hug her.  I wanted to sit on her bed and hear about her adventures. But pictures, and texting will have to do.  

It’s Tuesday now,  I’ve texted my friend everyday, she’s making it through… (although the news just keeps getting worse) my oldest daughter called her to let her know that she is loved, and that we are devastated and really have no words.  Pastor(s) hugged and prayed for her and her family on Sunday, my bestie found her and hugged her for me, friends took her to lunch… God ordained that my mom would run into her today, they cried and hugged and talked.  We talked today for about an hour, I spoke truth… She’s making it through. Pray for her… She in the thick of the worst nightmare of her life, and she declares, “God will sustain…God will provide, we will make it through.” I love this amazing woman of God!

I also spent time today with another sweet friend, I love the familiarity, nothing like a friend of 14+ years.  I actually went to a coffee shop, and sat at a table and talked…on the phone…4,300+ miles away… not too far.

I talked to my mom, and one of my girls.  We’re all up to date.

In the end… I’m okay. They are okay.  I am at home, in Barcelona.

I was texting with yet, another friend earlier last week about God’s provision… we were speaking financially, yet it’s true in every way that we need provision, GOD is our provider. I am not the provider of anything for any of my friends, or my girls.  God is.  GOD IS.  He may use us, but if for some reason, we cannot be present, HE IS EVER-PRESENT.  And so, as much as I want to be to be there, God IS there and he is providing for each of these situations, in the deepest sorrows and in the greatest joys, and he is with me too.  Gently reminding me who the TRUE provider is.  And his provision is far reaching… He is our all-knowing, ever-present provider.