Eason,
I have to imagine that this summer the thought of “what’s happening” passed through your mind often. Things felt out of control… and they felt stable at the same time. What had changed were the circumstances surrounding us; what hadn’t changed is that our strength is found in Jesus.
And I am really proud of how I saw you grow in that this summer.
Your definition of summer was having fun with your sister in the pool, attending amazing summer camps, and chilling in the stability of a quiet home. Not only was that not your summer, but all of it was taken.
Your sister was sick and couldn’t do the fun things you normally do.
Your camp closed, and the new camp you attended proved to be an unsafe experience.
Your once quiet home was filled with screaming and tantrums by a new family member who you barely knew.
All things seemed…. Broken.
And they were.
Yet, this summer. I saw you redefine fun in art. It wasn’t the rambunctious outdoor fun you typically have, but it was fun. You painted your room, made wall art, and tried new art styles. You transformed your room to something new and amazing.
You went to a new camp, as a “new kid,” expecting great things. You found an unsafe experience. But, in that, you knew to call out to Jesus and ask for help. You knew that He would protect you until you could get out of the camp. You showed great maturity when adults wouldn’t help. And, you found a way to get to call home. Then, at home, you created an amazing “at home” camp experience for us to all enjoy together.
Then there was the adjustment when your once quiet home became a war zone with constant yelling and temper tantrums. Your face showed how hard this was, but you chose to follow our family’s standard and not join into the yelling. You learned long ago that yelling back doesn’t help. I have watched you struggle to adjust, but I have also watched you have the patience to wait and know that in time it would get better.
In all of the struggle, I have watched you grow your faith. I have seen you turn to Jesus. I have seen you worship. I have seen you be willing to sit in difficult situations and wait for Jesus.
Your strength isn’t in the routines of life. Yes, we have “typical” summer routines. And, NO this summer was not that. But, routine isn’t what provides us stability. Our foundation provides us stability, and our foundation is Jesus.
Colossians 2:6-9 says we are rooted in Christ and overflowing with thankfulness. Jesus is our foundation, He keeps us rooted, planted, secure, unshakable. It isn’t our routines and traditions that provide that security. It is the fact that our bodies are indwelled with the Holy Spirit. Christ is with us. We are rooted in his love.
I am proud of how you handled this summer. Remember these days. Remember that any hard time you face is a season. Our final season will be for eternity worshiping Jesus.
I love you so much!
Mom