July.
Hot sticky season of freedom. I love you. When I opened the windows this morning, you breezed in like an old friend. I have felt this happy to see you before. The year we melted with relief when the right job at the right time came through for Pete. That July brought us home to our beginning. Back to the place where we met as students and I learned about Cajun fries and fireworks. Two years ago, July brought us into a season of independence, able to provide for our family again.
Beautiful month of sunshine. You have walked us into summer. Again.
Today it was my turn.
My turn to feel heart fly and tilt face toward the sun. My turn to ease out of a long commute, turn in my high heels, and set up shop in the kids’ playroom. My turn to learn how with God, nothing is wasted. No time apart from my boys, no long hours in the car, no challenges at the office. Nothing is for nothing. Because His design is always more intricate and more perfect than mine. And He uses even the scraps I would have thrown out with the trash.
My fear, my failures, my career that has ambled across three continents pursuing international human rights development work. And my calling – to love on the women who hold up half the sky ~ the mothers, the sisters, the daughters. The heart of the heart of a home. Who sometimes walk the road of quiet desperation that I know oh too well.
I have been feeling my way towards this change all last month; all last year. But, really I have been on a journey for as long as I can remember. And the fine thread of God’s will we’ve been following has felt so fragile in our desperate hands. So when I it led me to this morning, and I opened the window and felt July smile in through the blinds, I knew I was home.
And I promise to share details next week. But for now, for now I’m just reveling in the sunshine.
That sun is loaded with a lot more than Vitamin D! I am living in My own Ray of light right now, and am thankful to the sharing it with you…I have a hunch, but will wait for your revelation. Love and hugs From TN! *blessings*
I’m glad you’re enjoying the sunshine, can’t wait to hear more! I know that, whatever it is, God is going to continue to use you powerfully to change the hearts and lives of women all over the world. :)
*eeeeeeeeeeeee!*
*eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!*
so excited for you :)
Oh, my friend. I so appreciated your email yesterday – even though I haven’t responded yet. :) And I am so stinking excited for your July, your new beginning, your next step in this journey!
Your post reminded me of a July several years ago when I quit my job – without having another one lined up. I hadn’t thought about it framed inside a specific month…but it was. Interesting perspective. I might have to write about it.
I am so happy for you. You sound fantastic. I’m looking forward to more details.
And as always, this was beautifully written.
Your joy is flowing through your words. I can’t wait to read more details next week!
Oh, friend, I thank God for what He has done in your life and for what He is doing now, especially for the joy it seems to bring you. And I’m ever-so-grateful to have had the chance to meet you along the way!
Ah, July. It’s the perennial PCS season (uh, that’d be moving season) in the military, so July often dawns with new adventure for us — it’s when we moved to Germany and when we left Germany, it’s when we left Hawaii for the Bay Area… And next year it’ll be a new adventure all over again. For now, it’s just sprinklers and sunscreen and strawberries and sweet, sweet little people. And there’s a lot of joy in that, too. (Says the ever-expanding Mama, reminding herself!)
Can’t wait to hear all about it! :)
If this means what I think it means…YAY!! :-)
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damn, Lisa Jo! (I’m south african now, so I can say that and its not a curse. ha!)
I sit in wonder and excitement for you over this!! ahhhhhh
Glory and Praise you, Jesus!
Have you read, Half the Sky, by Nicholas Kristof? That book has revolutionized me. Or was it just a happen stance above?
Oh how I miss the South African vernacular – so many fun words that are so verboten Stateside.
And yes – Half the Sky – is the *exact* reason for the reference. Nice catch!!
One of my favorite posts, Lisa-Jo. An instant “classic.” “Also helpful to know that DC’s oppressive heat can be a reminder of blessings and not just a reason to grumble!
Hey LJ,
Shoot me an email sometime…I hear we have a lot of catching up to do! Hope Pete and the boys are well.
Plunk