Peace with a capital P

Today Owen and I ate macaroni and cheese for breakfast. We sat on the floor and we clinked our mugs of milk and as we giggled, I savored. Then he chased me around the house with his 'jelly gun' until we couldn't possibly chase anymore and we absolutely needed a gum chewing session. We adventured outside and discovered the dirt hill to beat all dirt hills and we played and excavated and pretended. And then he continued to dig those fingernails down deep into the earth as I simply sat there and soaked it in; the sunshine on my back, the concentration of my little man's face, the wonder of living a day that will never come around again.
Yes, I know every second should be lived to the utmost and I'm aware of the inspirational quotes regarding our full presence required in each moment. But somehow this concept becomes much more tangible when tomorrow happens to be the day that 'Baby Brudder' is due to arrive. Of course, I don't know that he will abide by that schedule. But it's safe to say that our lives are on the brink of being forever changed in countless, incredible ways and that requires that right now, right here- we savor!

It's been a wild journey since leaving Hawaii. 'November 20th, give or take a few days' has always been a deadline in my mind. The start of a new chapter; this week is also when my nesting instinct demands our arrival wherever we're going to live for the immediate future. Since leaving our tropical home we have slept in 11 different beds, a plane and a truck! It has been spectacular. But, at last, we are able to 'settle'. And, as if that in itself was not gift enough, the settling is taking place in a beautiful home where we will house-sit for the next few months. God's plan is so magnificent and His timing is, quite literally, perfect. We are here and we are ready!
Colorado is.. majestic and breath taking, significantly lacking in humidity and blessedly full of family! It's been a good month. Owen experienced his first snow, his first painfully crunchy boogers and FISHING. This is an entirely new version of 'outdoors' and we are soaking up every bit of it. Kai approves, as well! Derek and I have been enjoying memory lane as we drive the dirt roads we grew up on, frequent our favorite Mennonite bakery and unpack the boxes that we stored almost 4 years ago. My husband is also working full time WHILE taking steps towards starting his own excavation business. I am so proud and thankful and, as always, inspired by him.

Jesus has given me an unexplainable amount of peace and grace throughout this entire transition. From the outside looking in, I probably should have been more worried about how the pieces would fall into place. But, for the most part, I just... wasn't. And this is not because of anything within me. It is my nature, and current state of full-blown pregnancy hormones, to desperately need a PLAN! That makes it glaringly obvious that God is in control here and meeting us so faithfully each step of the way. (Also, Derek is sworn to secrecy regarding any strange emotional displays or the amount of mint chip ice cream that has recently disappeared from the carton. We all have our moments..)

My devotions have led me deeper into the stories of Ruth and Esther the past few weeks. Stories of women who were courageous and deeds that were daring. We should dive into their incredible lives in another post. I just mention these beauties because of what we must have in common: Peace amidst uncertainty. Peace with a capital 'P' because it is Jesus. Peace that walks with each of us through the hard and the unknown and the downright scary; He leads us forward one step at a time. My journey is infinitely different than that of a daring, Moabite woman and a brave, Jewish queen. But our Peace is the same.

'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:6-7 

And there you have it; Peace that literally does not make sense and can not be comprehended. Peace that has carried me to 40 weeks of pregnancy, through eight different states and over a mountain of unknowns. Peace that literally stood guard over my heart and mind, armed and ready to do battle with fear, as we journeyed. Peace that allows me to soak up today and my sweet boy and a hard-working husband, while feeling ready and excited for the arrival of our newest family member. I have 'Peace like a river' attending me and He truly lets me say, and whole heartedly believe, 'it is well, it is well with my soul'!