Miracles of Peace

At the start of our camping season, it was easy to feel disappointed.  Our neighbours' complete lack of respect or regard for anyone but themselves was shocking.  After a particularly frustrating series of events, my husband and I realized something had to be done.  For as much as we try to live at peace with everyone, our campsite was anything but peaceful.
Mark put a call into the camp owner to discuss our concerns and see if there was a possible solution.  While waiting to hear from Mark, I fought to keep my thoughts in check.  I kept thinking how unfair all this was.  We are decent people who really try to live a life that pleases and honours God.  We were so looking forward to camping this year and having a place of peace and rest for our family.  God knew how much we needed this so why didn't he do something to protect us?  As my thoughts swirled, anger filled my heart and my disappointment with our camping situation quickly turned to disappointment with God. 
Maybe it was because the beauty of his creation was all around me, or maybe it was because I chose to allow the Holy Spirit to soften my heart, but thankfully I recognized the direction my thoughts were taking me and I quickly turned them around.  I even found myself starting to thank Jesus for providing Mark and I with an opportunity to help our kids navigate their way through conflict and opposition.
It's amazing how quickly changing my thoughts, changed my perspective and I found myself praying for our neighbours; for their heart, souls and lives.
I even found myself considering the possibility that we were placed beside them for a reason; to be a witness and an example of the kind of true love and peace in any circumstance that can only come from Jesus Christ.
A day after Mark spoke to him, the owner called to say that there was a spot available in another area of the campground.  We decided to take it and so 3 days later we made the move.
We now have a very peaceful site, backing onto the woods, with quiet neighbours on both sides.
I still think about our old neighbours and pray for them daily.  Miracles don't always happen over night but they do happen.  Time will tell.  God only knows where their life journey will take them.  But I am thankful He opened my heart to their needs and I am confident He will use our brief interactions for something good.....maybe even a miracle!

Satisfy me in the morning O Lord with your love. 

May my children see miracles again. 

Let them see your glory God at work.  Psalm 90:14,16

Last day of School

How can time go by so quickly?
It seems like just yesterday, not 10 months ago, that I was labelling supplies and organizing backpacks for a new school year.
Tomorrow is the last day of that school year.
The last day of grade 6, grade 4 and grade 1 for my three boys.
It's hard not to feel melancholy.
For me the end of school marks the passing of time.
How can my boys be already so grown up?

I also feel thankful.
Thankful for good teachers, a safe school, new opportunities, solid friendships, freedom to learn and play.  All the blessings big and small that have enriched my boys' lives this year.
Most of all I am so grateful for a God who watches over them and covers them with grace, mercy and love, when I can not be there. 

I am so thankful.

Tomorrow summer break begins.

But tonight I am counting my blessings and trusting in God for whatever next September brings.

For it is by faith that I bless my children.  I have confidence in what God will do in their future.  Hebrews 11:20