An Expected End

Never before have the words "an expected end" brought such comfort.

One of my absolute favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to bring you to an expected end." 

There have been many times throughout my life, since I found that verse in college, that it has brought me comfort.  When I was unmarried and waiting for a spouse, it was comforting to know that God had a man all picked out, and was directing our ways toward one another step by step.  Then, after I was married, and no longer wanting to teach, it was comforting to know that God had a plan through the chaos of teaching.  Then as I REALY wanted to have a baby, it was comforting to know that God had events lined up to give me the perfect children at the perfect time.  (well, maybe they're not PERFECT, but perfect for us).  As I've taught and trained our sons, it's been comforting to know that God has a path all laid out for their lives, and that He knows every pitfall they will face along the way.

Yet, as I sit today, and mull over the events of the past two weeks, that verse has been a comfort as much through these weeks as it has in my entire past put together.  Doug had lost his job officially a couple of months ago.  Then he lost his second job.  The money we're living on is slowly dwindling, and soon it will be time for him to work again.  The business we are building is not going as quickly as we would like.  BUT, just yesterday, we found out that Doug's dad has- on the outside- a year to live.  Doug only has a short while left with his Daddy, and I am SO  thankful for all the time he has been able to spend with him in the last six months.  Looking back, I can see God has had it planned since the beginning of time that this is the way it would be.  I am so very thankful that Doug has been able to spend so much of his dad's last days with him.  As hard as the knowing that the end is near.... the comfort of knowing Doug has something special to remember is so much better.

Soon, it will be time to build a business and work like crazy.  Now, it is time to rest in God's care, knowing that HE has "an expected end" planned out for us.