Suffering Joy

Obviously, I did not meet my goal of posting at least twice last week.  My apologies.  I'm still developing discipline in writing..... and it was kinda a rough week.   Dan was out of town for business.  And Dan's Dad was in the hospital in a lot of pain.  Turns out he (my Father in law) has a torn carotid artery (yah - the juglar) and a clot had formed - putting pressure on a nerve that paralyzed his tongue and gave him intense, painful headaches :(
So I have been husbandless all week and worried about my Father-in-law.  (Not to mention other stresses that seem to have piled on top of my mind this week:  Homeschool issues, no new house, husband has been super busy and working long hours at work all year, wanting my Dad to get a job out here - soon......)
ANYWAY - guess what I have realized?
It. Is. Not. About. Me!
Yah, I know - shocker!
Yes, I might feel as if I am having a rough week and my life is so horrible right now  (yes, that is an exageration :) but truly, I am NOT suffering very greatly.  Just the little things adding up.
There are people who truly ARE suffering right now.  Like my Father-in-Law.
GOD IS GOOD.
Remember I mentioned Dan's business trip?  He was recruiting college grads for work at our alma mater just 2 - TWO-hours away from his parents!  Dan is currently able to spend a few days with his Mom, siblings, and visit his Dad in the hospital.  This would have been very cost prohibitive if he had not already been on his business trip so close to "home".  Thank you God, for your perfect timing!
So yes - part of my stress is that I miss my husband.  But I thank God Dan is able to see his family during this trying time in their lives.  I'll choose to *suffer* a few more days in JOY, knowing that God is in control of ALL circumstances.
JOY JOY JOY   (Sure feels God is testing me to see how serious I am about wanting 2010 to be a year of Joy!)  :)

Praying God's Joy for your life and mine,
Britt :)