Finding My Lost Perspective

If you have a family member serving in the military, you understand the emotions that can roll over you on any given day. Edie Melson offers an experienced mom's view in her newest book, While My Soldier Serves. Edie is my guest today. Be sure to leave a comment to be eligible to win a copy of this wonderful resource for military families.

I remember those days following our son’s choice to enlist in the Marine Corps. It was a daunting time, filled with pride and a bit of fear sprinkled in. I was proud of my son’s decision to serve, but in the back of my mind lay a fog of fear about what that service might demand from him.

Over the next few months, as our son began his many months of training, I settled more and more into a sense of pride and excitement. He was following his dream and doing it well.

Then came his first of two deployments. Those were difficult times, and that knot of fear unwound, taking over my entire world.

As I struggled to gain a measure of peace, I took a drive. We live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and that was where I fled. I pulled out of my driveway at dawn, and God surprised me with a glorious sunrise reflecting off a sky full of puffy clouds. Everything about it held the promise of great things to come.

But as I got closer to my goal in the mountains, those clouds that had made the sunrise so gorgeous descended and fog engulfed my car. I was forced to slow down—almost to a crawl at times—because it was so thick. Discouragement returned, and I almost turned around. Something inside urged me on though, and I kept going; climbing higher into the peaks I loved so well.

I continued up the steep road and just yards from my goal, the clouds parted and the sun appeared, bathing me in it’s warmth. I took a deep breath and the tension that had crept in from diving in such perilous conditions disappeared, and peace returned. I parked and got out to fully appreciate the magnificent view before me.

The clouds that had hung so low, obscuring my path to the top, just added depth and a new perspective to the beauty of what I saw now. I stopped as inspiration struck. I’d been so wrapped up in what was happening, I’d lost my perspective. (Click to Tweet)

My drive was so much like what was happening in my life. The fog may seem like it’s going to last forever, but it’s not.  (Click to Tweet) Even more than that, it’s not a matter of the sun returning, it’s always there, whether I can see it or not.

I could have chosen to park, waiting for the fog to dissipate. I could have turned around and gone back. Instead, I kept going, driving up toward the sun.

I learned a valuable lesson that day. No matter what fog engulfs my circumstances, if I keep my mind focused upward, I’ll find that God hasn’t moved.

What have you found as a reminder that God is always present? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Blessings,

Edie

While My Soldier Serves

Thousands of families send loved ones off to fight on a daily basis. These families spend a lot of time living in a world out of control. This kind of stress can take an incredible toll, but there is hope. When we feel helpless, we can take our fears to the One who loves us more than anything and holds the universe in His hands.

In this book you’ll find the words to usher you into His presence. These prayers are a place to visit again and again as you take your own fears to God. They’re just a starting point, written to help you find your own voice as you call out on behalf of the one you love.

BIO:

As the mother of a frontline infantry Marine, Edie Melson lived this book before she wrote it. Edie understands what it is to face adversity and come out triumphant on the other side. Her years as a wife, mother, and ministry leader have given her a unique perspective to reach out
to others facing the same struggles.
She's the Military Family Blogger for Guideposts.org, social media director for several writing websites, and a popular ministry and conference speaker. Connect with her on her blog, The Write Conversation, Twitter, and Facebook.

Signs of Spring

The sun's warmth and the angle of its rays are welcome after winter's icy hold.

The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard... Song of Solomon 2:12

The bird also has found a house,

And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young…Psalm 84:3

The earth awakens from its slumber.  (Click to Tweet) 

For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; 

so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.  Isaiah 61:11

He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, 

and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; Psalm 104:14

So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.  Hosea 6:3

image courtesy of Morguefile.com

His grace will drop like rain, covering you like the dew of the dawn. (Click to Tweet)

In you He will cause new growth to spring forth and grow deep.

Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD. Great is your faithfulness and deep is your love. Wide are your outstretched arms to all who will come. You are the Creator of life and the author of seasons. How great is your faithfulness over us.

Spring has come (Sigh) and it is good,

Jeanne

What is your favorite sign of spring? (Click to Tweet)

How does the emergence of spring speak to you?

Here in New England we still have winter temperatures overnight as spring wrestles to take hold....we barely broke 40 degrees today. Tell me about your end-of-April weather.

Photography by Jeanne Doyon