Cha-cha-cha-Changes

Amanda on July 11th, 2010

There are a lot of changes happening in our student ministries right now. In the midst of the crazy summer so many other components are moving in different directions. Many of the changes are great, and needed. And it will be exciting to see how God will unfold all that we have been praying for.
But there are a few changes that I (as the wife) do not like so much and don’t understand. It is these changes that I don’t know what to say, and not say, and just what to do. My pride wants to shout at my husband, “Hey, did ya think it all through? Are ya real, REAL sure about that one?!” And my favorite, “Listen to me, listen to me, just listen to me!” BUT…..I know I shouldn’t.

I don’t know if I’m alone on this one, or what?? Anyone else fear change as much as me? I totally trust my husband and his call to this ministry. I do believe he is brilliant and gifted and a wonderful leader. Buuutttttt, what do you do when you don’t agree with it all??
Nothing?
Pray?
Vent, and visit this site?

I did take a big step (for me) this weekend. Our Pastor asked us to choose one area in which we would come to God daily for the summer and ask his guidance. I was certain that I was going to ask for wisdom concerning all these changes happening for us in ministry. That I would pray right along side Jeff for all that is to come in this season… But I’m not. I will leave that for Jeff and God.

I am praying for rest.
“Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28)
I am tired.
I am lonely from this summer (already).
I need rest.
And (I’m convinced) not just a nap. I need a rest for my soul. A rest that I can only imagine can come from God. I will be praying daily for rest this summer. I cannot wait to discover what that kind of rest feels like! And leave the other stuff for someone else… :)

Discuss (17)

Megan at 7:39am July 12

I love when I look in my Google Reader and see that you’ve posted. Nine times out of ten, it’s exactly what I’m feeling….and I am feeling the loneliness and exhaustion of summer already too! Also, the tension of when to talk and when to just keep my mouth shut. I’m learning that, when I struggle with the church getting so much of my husband’s time, I need to realize that he and I are serving God….not just these people. It’s easy for me to get bitter when I think he’s with these people so much. When I keep my eyes on God, I’m able to get through it better. All this to say, you’ve spoken right where I’m at again! I’m so thankful for your blog and to know I’m not the only wife who struggles with these things…..and works hard to rise above them. :)

Michelle at 8:48pm October 25

Patti, I am so sorry your family has had such a hard time. I can only imagine how hard that is to be away from your family. It must be hard feeling like you are the outsiders in your own church. I wish I could tell you that if you do this one thing then you will know the answer. I wish so many times God would write my answers in the sky. That would be so nice!! I find it so hard to decide what my own heart wants and what God wants for my life. I think it is much harder when your kids are involved and they are not happy. You want to protect them at all cost. Is there a Christian counselor that you and your husband could go see. My husband works for the Methodist church and they provide free counseling for him and his family. I know so many times you may need a third party to hear it out for you. I think there are times when you can have someone with your beliefs and faith help guide you to the right answer. We all need someone to talk to and figure out this thing called life. I will be praying for you and your family.