Plot Twist

Who doesn't love a do-over? Waiving hand vigorously over here! I cringe when I think about teachers, coaches and myself telling our kids through the years "there are no do-overs". Guess what? We were all wrong. Dead wrong. Life is actually one gigantic do over for most of us. Here's another fact: do-overs are biblical. Jesus is our ultimate do-over. He died to give us new life. The past is erased and everything is made new. "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"-2 Corinthians 5:17.  Isn't that the most exciting news you've heard in 2016?! 

The past 13 months I definitely could have used a bazillion do-overs. Words that stung. Words that threatened. Words that belittled.  Emotions that came from a place of fear, hurt, and ultimately deep unwavering love. I am so thankful. Let me say that again: I am so thankful. Thankful for God's grace. I am in utter awe of His mercy. Moved beyond words by the cross.

Secondly I'd like to say prayer works. If you find yourself in a place unable to pray (1) call out to the Lord audibly (2) call, text or email a friend and have them intercede a team of prayer warriors on your behalf. I can not emphasize enough the importance of crying out to the Lord. He hears us. He sees us. He loves us. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them"-Romans 8:28

Recognize that prayers may not be answered immediately. Prayers may not be answered fully. Prayers may not be answered the way you had envisioned. Guess what? Pray anyway!! God sees the narrative. We may be able to envision how we want the story to end. That conclusion may coincide with God or it may not. Trust that all the hairpin turns and crazy mishaps throughout the story are making for a story worth telling. A testimony that glorifies what only He can do to save a life. 

If you have been in our home you have seen the gallery wall we have in the back of our house. We have every year of school (for each of our daughters) framed from transition to 12th grade.  it's one of my favorite things about our home. Each school year picture reminds me of the joys and challenges from each year of their lives. If it was not a great year? No worries just glance to your right and you will see the next school year framed. Each picture holds the joy and promise of a new year. A do-over from the previous mistakes of the year before and a continuation of the great things from years past.

Monday morning I received a text with a selfie from our youngest "I love you! FDOC ready" (first day of class...yep I had to google that one).  Same beautifully sarcastic mischievous smile as all of the other first day of school photos. If I can figure out a way to frame the photo I just may. Thirteen months a bazillion prayers and tears later? She's back in school and hopeful.

God's in the business of do-overs. He answers prayers. He loves us deeply. There may be a plot twist again. And I can't say there won't be more do-overs. Today? Today is a new day. Today I know who the Author is. I trust that He is in control. To God be the glory. 

Today? Well, today is a great day for a do-over for all of us.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction 
of things not seen."-Hebrews 11:1