A Leap in the Wind, Brother Lawrence's Lively Faith, and a Ford Taurus

An ELC Misty Morning

"We should enliven our faith. It is lamentable that we all have so little faith. Instead of taking faith for their rule of conduct, people amuse themselves with trivial devotions, which change daily. The way of faith is the essence of Christ's church, and it is sufficient to bring us to a high degree of perfection. Therefore, with regard to things both temporal and spiritual, we should give ourselves up wholly to God." -brother Lawrence

As most of you already know, I won't be returning to my teaching position in the fall. I loved it, but I knew the Lord was calling me to be a stay-at-home wife and mom this coming year. Although I am very excited for this coming season, it at times has been overwhelming to think about living on only one salary, especially a salary for which we need to raise support. I sometimes feel like Psyche's sisters: I just have to jump off the edge of the cliff and trust the west wind Zephyrus to carry me gently and safely to the castle in the valley below.

Cupid and Psyche

The most prominent fixation of my anxiety has been on the fact that we will only have one reliable car in the fall. For awhile, I've been praying that the Lord would just give us a car, because we can't afford to buy one right now. However, even though I knew He could do it (I've heard stories of Him doing this for others), I didn't really believe He would do it. After all, I know the little areas where I could have and should have been a better steward with money. (It's just so easy to eat out instead of cook sometimes!) Why would He choose to bless me in this way? I know I don't deserve it.

And then last week I received a Facebook message from my mom. My Grandpa was looking to downsize and get rid of one of their cars, and he decided to give it to Hanley and me! It is in excellent condition, has brand new tires, and, because it is older, it will be less expensive to insure. We now have two reliable cars that will last us for a long time!

Our new car!

It was just after this that I read above excerpt by brother Lawrence, and I realized there are ways I can enliven my faith and make it my rule of conduct instead of an occasional trivial devotion. Most importantly, I can not only believe but expect that since the Lord called me to this, He will be faithful to provide. I just have to trust Him by jumping off that cliff of self-reliance into His arms, and wait for Him to carry me safely to the place of His provision.

p.s. In case you are unfamiliar with the myth of Cupid and Psyche, click here to learn more. Sorry, the English teacher in me couldn't resist the allusion. :-)