Home Alone

It is a weird feeling to come home to an empty apartment. I'm so thankful that this doesn't happen often. Josh is away in Wisconsin tonight, dropping off his old office equipment. So I'll be home tonight, doing some organizing and packing, and probably watching a good deal of the Food Network. Or maybe a movie. I'm pretty sure that if no one comes for a sleepover (like my dear cousin Erin, for instance) this will be my first night since I've been married that I've slept all by myself. I think all other times have involved one of my girl friends! I'm a champion sleeper, so I don't think I'll have too many problems. I'm just glad I don't do this all that often.

I read the following passage in Jesus Among Other Gods a few days ago and I've been thinking about it a lot over the last couple of days.

"How often we hear testimonies of faith from the sick and the dying or the injured and bleeding. That, we assume, is the grandest expression of faith. Without doubt, a faith that stays strong in the storms of life is a faith that must be envied. May I suggest, however, that in reality this kind of situation is more often the realizing or the testing of one's faith. An equally viable faith is demonstrated when dependence on God is shown in the midst of success, when everything is going right. That kind of faith knows that every moment and every success in life is a gift from God."

I know that in my life I depend on God so much more when I am sad or hurting. It is much harder for me to place my trust in Him when I feel happy, successful, and loved. Or when my needs can be met in other places. I am thankful for a kind God who tenderly brings be back to Him even through the happy times of life. He then replaces my false sense of security with joy and peace that "transcends all understanding."