It’s Mama……R is for Respite, River, and Refinement
I have always written this blog for my children. It started when my friend Tammy challenged me to write as I processed a challenging time in my life and it continued because it is my legacy to my children.
But, I write tonight for my daughter….my hero…my day one….my Sweetpea
Madison,
R is for Respite
My prayer for you is that you learn the difference between rest and respite. Rest is what we take to re-energize ourselves for the next day/event/life activity. We rest our bodies so that we can carry on “carrying on” in life.
But respite…that is something we do for our soul. It does not always look like taking a long nap or a warm bath. It may or may not be similar to a long walk outside or floating in the ocean on a raft.
Respite is that conscious decision to step back…and take “a welcome break”
That is what this year has been for you…from my eyes. A welcome break from things that grew but challenged, tugged by ripped, pulled but enlightened….
And, I have been honored to see you do that this past year…and, in that season of respite, you have healed and grown and dreamed
And it is the dreams I see in you which make me smile
For I know your heart…not as well as God does…but enough to know that He plans good things for you and plans to prosper you and not harm you
In your season of respite, I have watched you grow your heart to embrace your dad and to not only walk his direction, but to strive to forgive and to live in a goal of peace that passes all understanding
I have watched you let go of Jeremy and dreams you had for your relationship because you knew he was not who God called you to have as your helpmate
I have seen you reach out to onery brothers who don’t return text messages and reach out as you would like them to do
I have seen you love on friends giving them your time, energy, and love so that they don’t have to walk alone
I have seen you take some risks that make me cringe but then you find your way and stay on His path for you
I have listened to your dreams
Your aspirations
Your heart’s desires
And, then wait….
For God’s timing, For God’s direction
And I’ve watched you lean not on your own understanding, but give way to free-falling into the one true love of your life…
All because you took time to find respite in His plans for you…
And it is my prayer that during this season, you have heard, felt, and learned that God has a wonderful, beautiful plan for your life…even when you cannot see it, He is building it…even when you cannot hear it, He is playing it quietly….
Exodus 14:14…..If you will be quiet and draw near God will care for you
Enjoy your season of respite….for in the quiet stillness is where you will find God
R is for River (as shared by Papa Ian)
When I asked Ian for a word that starts with “R” he immediately said River. I asked him why and this is what he shared with me regarding you…
“When I think of a river in regard to Madison I think of something that is ever flowing…she is always growing, going, doing and going somewhere
Rivers can be deep, they can be wide…they can sustain life and bring joy
Rivers can be gentle, they can be dangerous
Rivers have rapids and calm pools
Rivers bring something different around every bend…and usually it is beautiful
I love that I can fish in a river….and that all wildlife is provided for by rivers
My favorite river is Nolin River located in Larue and Hart County, Kentucky and some of my sweetest memories are in that river…wading, fishing…and just one big adventure
And, when I think of Madison, I have many of those same thoughts
She is all the qualities of a river and like a river, is beautiful, exciting, active, and nurturing to those around her
Madison, like rivers, brings life and beauty to our family
R is for Refinement
Refinement is the act of being made fine and strong and….
Like steel in a fire, you are being refined into the most beautiful of you
That you can be
Are called to be
Are meant to be
You are growing into a higher form of who God calls you to be and it is a beautiful thing to watch
As “iron sharpens iron” God is sharpening you for the calling that He has for you…He has known and loved you from the start of creation and every season of your life has been a part of His perfect plan..
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them
So, what you and I may see as refinement is actually a part of God’s plan for your life…
And, has been all along….
And, what God designs is perfect
And, Madison….you are perfect
Lean into this season of life and enjoy the hand of God being on your days….and, give way to praise for all that He has molded in you
And, for all that is yet to be formed within you
Lean into His refining love
ILYAOYMC,
Mama
