Job...

...As in the Book of Job in the Bible. It's the focus of our study in church group right now and has felt rather applicable during this chapter in our lives.  While I am far from a Bible scholar, I understand that God allows a pious man named Job's faith to be tested through a series of horrific tragedies imposed on him by Satan.

Last Sunday, our pastor was discussing that, unlike Job, we must have supportive relationships in place for when tragedy strikes.  He said that there is a difference between the relationships that will survive crisis and those that will not.  I believe that, through all the tests that Nick and I have been given lately, I have a great deal more clarity on that point.

We agree that God has blessed us richly with close relationships, and, through the many obstacles that we have endured, it is even more apparent with whom those relationships exist.  We have been so moved by the outpouring of prayer, love, support, empathy, encouraging words, thoughtful text messages, heartfelt facebook messages, empowering e-mails, gentle phone calls, beautiful flowers, physically nourishing meals, meaningful cards and packages.  We have been graced with acts of kindness and words of affirmation that were free of strings and expectations, that came from the most pure and compassionate of places.

In light of the crash, and now it's aftermath, it has been made clear that trivial drama is merely a distraction in this purpose driven life.  I understand and embrace that God teaches us to love the unloveable and to forgive, even when it is not sought after.  I also understand that those experiences help us to better distinguish those relationships that God has strategically armed us with to fulfill what He has called us to do.

Sometimes it's easy to get disillusioned and to think that God has asked too much of us; this task He has placed in our way is too heavy a burden for us to carry.  But then I receive yet another gentle reminder, as with the Book of Job, that I am not in control, He is, and He has blessed me with what I need to persevere: compassionate friendships, a trustworthy and selfless family, a happy and healthy baby girl and an inspirational leader for a husband.  Who can fail with that dream team like that?  Not me.