Watching God at Work

I had the opportunity to visit with an old friend of mine the other day. We met for dinner, and delivery of a minivan full of moving boxes I'd saved for her. She is one of the women with whom I have shared a friendship nearly as long as my tenure in Tennessee. We met shortly after we both moved to TN from opposite coasts.

Her presence in my life was a Godsend. I was in desperate need of a "teacher", guide, mentor and prayer warrior. Together, we walked through my life, healing the past, and journeying through my early experiences with marriage and motherhood. As time passed, our more formal relationship transitioned into a friendship, and we sort of lost touch.

I'd call her periodically as I walked through my early marriage crisis and divorce. But, then, again, we drifted apart.

A year or so later, I ran into a mutual friend at a community event. "Have you talked to your our friend lately?" she asked. "No....not in a long time...." The woman became very quiet, and finally said, "You should call her..."

A couple of weeks later, I did.... I was a bit surprised to hear her news: She was in the midst of a marriage crisis, heading toward divorce. She was in need of a guide, mentor and prayer warrior.

I shared with her the hope of my story: Even in the darkest moments of my marriage and my divorce process, God has been with me. When I was weak, He was strong. I reiterated some of the things she had taught me through the years. I shared my belief that it is not my job to punish, shame or make life difficult for my ex-husband. My job is to be obedient to what God would have me do: in this case "Love him well", and be a godly mother.

Time passed, and I witnessed her shock and despair turn into strength. Anger became insightful protection rather than a weapon. Joy and Laughter returned, as did Hope and Grace. She found her feet.... standing on the Rock of God.

Challenges have continued to arise.... including the prospect of moving from their "married house" to her own house. She shared the story as it has been unfolding and we walked, together, through the house she is hoping to purchase. I see God's hand allllllll over it! It reminds me of my house buying process, and I am filled with joy for her. I know what a blessing it will be.

I continue to pray that God will handle the details in her situation - as He did in mine - and that she will continue to be blessed by people in the world who do care for the "widows and orphans" of our age.