Thou Changest Not

This photo was taken shortly after we were married in 2012. Only the Lord knew how the next 11 years would look for us as we eagerly prayed for, hoped, and dreamed of what it would hold. I was working as a new nurse, Lane was going to pursue his TESL degree, we both had just finished Bible school and were so excited to get overseas to share the most precious story of our Rescuer with those who haven’t had a chance to hear. 

God had other plans.

 

 

This past weekend we took our three kids to Mackinaw for the first time where we captured this most recent photo.  The differences between these two pictures encapsulate some of the best and the most difficult changes that life can hold. With weary & fumbling hearts it’s taken us this long to see that because of two of these changes (kiddos + Lanes injury) we’ve grow in some of the richest & most rewarding ways as we’ve learned our utter dependency upon our Creator and that life is most worthwhile when we allow Him to carry, satisfy, and sustain us in it. We are slowly learning to rest in the truth that His ways truly are higher than ours. Just one example of this is that I didn’t want anything to do with the idea of having a caregiver/stranger in our home every day when Lane’s injury first happened…but we just as quickly discovered we cannot sanely do life without them with Lane’s 24/7 needed care. God pried open my hands that were so tightly clinging to the false securities of control and self sufficiency and has in turn shown us that He will bring people to us — every day — that we have the opportunity to point to Him. In our highest highs and lowest lows they watch us take on and respond to life — how we choose or choose not to repent & forgive, be slow to anger, and give grace when it’s needed most. It’s a daily & moment by moment opportunity with 3 young, loud, and very busy kids that we wouldn’t trade for the world. In His goodness He’s even brought multiple college students from across the globe & various countries that we never would have had the chance to share Jesus with otherwise. We’ve got so much growing to do but are learning to be grateful for & make the most of these opportunities nonetheless. Whether back in 2012 or now in 2023 in very different circumstances, we see our unchanging gracious Father at work and pray you’ll look for the ways He is too. With these things in mind I’ll close with a hymn that’s encouraged, strengthened, and given Lane and I so much hope over the years. 

 

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

 

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

 

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

 

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

 

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with 10,000 beside

 

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me