If you didn’t catch my post about our daughter, Moriah, becoming engaged, you’ll want to click here to read their sweet story.
It’s so – sigh- romantic! ♥
But as happens with life, one story has many back stories.
There is no such thing in life as clear cut or one dimensional. Millions of stories being told all around us- overlapping and weaving throughout others lives; one pebble tossed in a pond creating ever expanding ripples.
[Tweet “God makes #everything #beautiful in His time.”]
All the while our Great and Awesome God can somehow orchestrate His will and His plans for our good in the midst of seeming “cacophony” and chaos.
We’re told we’re to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep”. Bethany knows how to do that well! In fact, she takes it a step farther. 🙂
If you’re happy- she’s happy! If you’re sad or crying, she’s sad and will start crying. Her heart is tuned to others. Add adolescent hormones to that and you’ve got quite an emotional roller coaster. 😉
Every time one of her siblings has been expecting a baby – she rejoices- she’s giddy with excitement- AND then she gets out her soft pillow ball and pretends she’s going to have a baby. (see- God is Way Better than Google- (Bethany wants a Baby) It’s all quite hilarious- and tremendously stressful at the same time.
Now Moriah is engaged. You might guess what’s coming. 🙂
We were celebrating at my niece, Rebekah’s, wedding last weekend and the giddy feelings were at an all time high. Bethany was literally soaking up every moment of the wedding; the romance, the beauty, the joy of belonging.
After sunset, Jeff and I danced under the stars and twinkling lights. It was an “enchanted” evening brimming with love- my husband, my family, my friends. I glanced over to see Johnny and Moriah slow dancing. It was a bittersweet moment; no longer, just our little girl- our “little”girl was on the threshold of a new season.
Then I did a double take. No! It couldn’t be! Yes- it was!
Bethany was behind Moriah- leaning into her. Her head was pressed snugly into Moriah’s back and her arms stretched around Moriah AND touched Johnny’s waist! Her eyes were closed- a dreamy smile on her face! She was slow dancing with them and they were letting her! (Wow- all I can say is our kids are so patient and loving and where is my camera when I need it?)
Bedtime chat and prayers was quite late that night but our conversation was eye-opening. (At least I never have to wonder what Bethany is feeling or thinking 🙂 )
“Mommy, I need my fiance’. When am I going to get him?”
Bethany, you’re only 13, enjoy being 13. One day God will bring someone special into your life and you will get to be “engaged”.
“But Mommy, I NEED him. I love fiance’.”
As I’m praying that God will give me wisdom, insight, and answers for this little girl who is growing into womanhood, I get a glimpse of God’s Father heart or me.
Bethany is impatient and wants to know “WHEN” is she going to get what she “needs”.
As I encourage her to enjoy the stage she’s in, that advice reverberates back to me. Sometimes its difficult to embrace the “present” of today- especially when I’m looking “forward” to anticipated memories or backward to precious memories. I ask God, “WHEN am I going to get what I want?”
[Tweet “Today is a gift- that’s why they call it the present. #time #precious”]
“But Mommy, I NEED him. I love fiance.”
She thinks she needs a fiance’- but as her Mom, I know she needs to be 13. She needs to grow and mature and learn to let God fill her empty spaces and longings. And I know, all in His good time, our Great God will open doors for her – in His timing- for her good- to accomplish His will in her life.
[Tweet “God is accomplishing His #glorious #grace in our lives- in His perfect timing.”]
Lots of times, my heart aches for things I think I NEED. But my Father knows I need to grow and mature and learn to let Him fill my empty spaces and longings! And I know, all in good time, our Great God will open doors for me- in His timing- for my good- to accomplish His will in my life.
Surprising Treasures: New Living Translation
The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.
[Tweet “The LORD will work out His plans for my life–for Your faithful #love, O LORD, endures forever.”]
I love this sweet story-reminder of something I regularly need for myself. Whoever it was who said, “wherever you are, be all there,” must have known how easily we can overlook the present by focusing too much on past or future. You and Bethy have such a precious relationship, it illustrates how we can experience God’s presence, too, telling Him all our heart’s desires and listening to His comforting words. I love you, Cindy! Thanks, again! 🙂 …and hugs to Bethy.
Love that- “Wherever you are, be all there” ,my mind is always scurrying! The times I am “fully engaged” and fully present- – it is precious time. You made me think of a scripture that says- in all things I have learned to be content. still learning and growing in this one! love you sweet sister!
I am married to Cindy, but engaged to Jesus… 2 Corinthians 11:2.
Yet, how can Bethany be vocalizing in her disability, what I feel in my supposed “normality.” Bethany is a such a gift to the Barclay family. The fact that Cindy has felt led to tell Bethany’s story in so many eloquent ways amazes me! Particularly as Bethany’s story mirrors everyone’s story!
Can hardly read a post here without eyes misting and brimming over… with love, with amazement, with joy and enlightenment! Today, the comments were just as sweet as the story!!
♥♥you all!!
Thank you sweet sister! I love it when people get misty-eyed with me. Thank you for sharing in my journey- it makes it so much more better when others share our joys and pains! Love you Mid!