Beautiful in Time

   As we prepare to move to another state, we are living in (not so beautiful) chaos.  Boxes are everywhere, nothing feels settled, and the nagging fears creep in.  We know that where we are going is the right place, yet those "what ifs" whisper...sometimes really loudly at night.   My faith is certainly my rock right now - the assurance that He knows better than us and keeps us in the palm of His hand while we tread in unfamiliar waters.  I'm reminded of one of my favorite Acapella songs from my teenaged years: 

Afraid...aren't we all afraid of something?  The unknown is a frightening thing for our tiny, feeble human minds.  Especially mine.    I take solace in these words:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 

I have called you by your name; 

You are Mine. 

When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you; 

And through the rivers, 

they shall not overflow you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

you shall not be burned, 

Nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Isaiah 43:1,2

And I know that these trials and fears that I endure are helping me...I'm assured of that in the book of James.  This uncertainty about our future is productive, it's helping to make us "beautiful"...

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)