As our son was graduating from High School, we realized that life was about to dramatically change. We were going to officially be empty nesters and I would eventually sell the house and move to CA to join my husband. There were days of enthusiasm, days of dread, days of sadness and loss and days of deep fear! But we also realized it was time to celebrate and trust God for great things. So we threw an extravagant weekend party, brought together the entire family and celebrated as much as we could!
We started with our son's high school graduation and open house. Then we moved to a Sunday morning brunch and honored my in laws 65th wedding anniversary. Finally we ended the weekend with a dance party at our local theater while Joel and I renewed our vows with our kids, friends and family. It was the most glorious weekend! I loved being surrounded by all my kids, family and close friends! And then everyone went home and the hard work began. Or so I thought.
At some point in all the celebrating and change, a friend of mine who I met in the theater asked if I would be willing to let her move in for the fall while she worked on her internship for her Masters. It didn't seem like a big deal at the time and I was sure I would appreciate the company as I prepped for the big move to CA and got my house ready to sell. But that's not how it played out.
From the beginning Lizz and I were woven together by God. I did not see it like that initially but looking back, there was definitely a plan for a beautiful friendship that only God could have orchestrated. As I mentioned in the last blog, my son and I both appeared in "The Little Mermaid". It was a beautiful memory for both of us and our relationship. Well Lizz was the actual Little Mermaid! She is a delightful young woman full of joy and zeal for Jesus! I also enjoyed working with her during the production. So when she needed a place to stay, I figured it would just be fun if I ever actually saw her between all she was doing.
But that's not what God was thinking.
To begin with, I was nursing a pretty bad ministry wound and really did not have a church anymore. In fact, after serving in the protestant church for 30 years, I really did not want to go back and felt deeply lost. I loved Jesus and really missed being a part of a church body, but I simply did not know what to do about it. I spent most of my time at the theater volunteering and helping out. It felt like a family and I loved the people and projects! Lizz also loved the theater and we saw each other a lot there.
But Lizz is also Catholic. If I'm honest, I've met very few Catholic's on fire for Jesus. Lizz was on fire for Jesus!
Before we ever became roommates, she had invited me to Mass many times. I usually said no. But then one day I said yes. Looking back I'm not really sure why I said yes other than I missed church and I loved Lizz's zeal. But you have to understand, my mother was not treated well by the Catholic Church. In fact they shamed and dishonored her during her time of need. When I lost my heart for Protestantism, I was not considering the Catholic Church. I just felt lost and abandon. It never occurred to me to go to Mass. Yet here I was with this joyful young woman attending Mass and that is when it happened.
My heart began to breath again.
I couldn't really understand what was happening at first. I just kept going back because it felt good but I wasn't sure why and then I just started crying every time I went. I saw and felt such beauty and reverence in each part of the Mass and some part of my soul that had been yearning was finally being watered. I never saw that coming. But God did.
Eventually Lizz and I began attending Mass almost daily together and became roommates. We started learning from one another about our journeys with God and we had so much to offer each other from our faith traditions. Then we saw God simply do things that blew our minds in the spiritual realms. We made good food together and went on some epic adventures together. In just one semester together we saw God move mountains and we became very good friends. She even drove across the country with me when it was time to move to CA. In the meantime, I decided to become Catholic and have been on that journey for the past 8 months. Lizz was a great sponsor before I moved and continues to be involved even from a distance. Recently we even started a podcast together in hopes of capturing the amazing things we have seen God do!
How did God do that? With His mighty right hand! That's how he did it!
We deeply underestimate how committed God is to us friends. He knows the state of your heart. He knows what is broken and how to fix it. Do we live open handed enough to allow him to mend it? I promise, you will never see it coming. I think he delights in doing things that blow our minds so we do not confuse His power with our cleverness.
Our God is mighty to save! Will you allow Him to save you today?
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