Just Another August 5th

Three years ago on August 5th, my family drove away from our home in Fairview, TN to come settle in Vermont before the school year started. I had to stay behind to work and continue to pay the mortgage on our house. I was devastated, but I knew it was the right thing to do at the time.

Today on August 5th, my family is divided again as the girls and I wait for Jared to return from his mission trip to Honduras. And full disclosure here--we missed him A LOT. There were some tears throughout the week, and I can't even blame them all on the kids. BUT God was so sweet to remind me of this date 3 years ago and show me the absolutely incredible ways he has redeemed our time as a family.  I wouldn't trade these last 3 years of my life for anything in the world. There are parts of it I hope I never have to do again, but that doesn't mean I regret those times. And when I remembered living apart for 9 months, this 9-day separation didn't seem quite so bad. I think God knew that would be the case. Grateful for the way he whispers right to my heart sometimes.