Counting the days

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It's really strange.  We're deeply on our way into the month of August and not much gets written on the calendar, these days.  Is this true for you, too?

Do you miss it?  

One thing... unexpected that happened over the summer is my daughter buckle fractured her forearm and has been sporting a pretty pink, heavily marked up cast.   She's been counting the days for it to come off - which will be early on this coming week - Lord Willing!!  She was so grateful it was her left arm and not her right.  Grateful she saw the blessing... 

Our kids are SOOOO sad that summer vacation probably won't be taking place this year!!   They had been dutifully counting down the days for that to happen and well... it's been a little disappointing to say the least.  We're all going to miss that special time visiting friends and family - in VA and NC!!!   We did however get to squeeze in some summer camps and go for a little family get away, locally, to the mountains... which was really, really awesome!!!   Again.  We see the blessing.

Next - we're taking on a new challenge for our family for school this year.

Cyber Schooling has been on our minds... and so - whether we think we are or we're not, we're literally counting down the days for some sort of new-to-us, school schedule to take place.  

We're nervous.  Yet excited!!

I've never been one to easily embrace change.  But - for some reason.  This feels right.  I truly hope and pray that these days will not just be counted down but will be made to count!!

I think often of the verse in Scripture from Proverbs 31:25, which says...

"She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come."

Here is my prayer.

Clothe my heart, Oh Lord, with strength and dignity... I'm so afraid of change and facing new challenges... allow me to feel your power, your courage and strength.  To take on and go forward with new experiences.  Help me Lord to take "risks"and to enjoy each new experience... knowing it is a total growing process.  There will be no fear in  my heart!  I can laugh at the days to come.

This prayer has been mine for a while now.  I do thank HIM for changing me in this process.  I am braver.  I'm much more courageous than in times past.  I have grown a lot.  In fact, I say - I don't know that I'm the same person (so much) since the first time I've prayed this prayer.  I'm grateful for the days of all that he has blessed me with.  I am grateful for the ones still to come.  I don't know how many I have.  Neither, do you!

As we're counting the days... may we continue to count the blessings even more.