Day 86

Scripture: Ps 85, 86, 91, 92; Ezekiel 1:28—3:3; Hebrews 4:14—5:6; Luke 9:28-36


Scripture standout: Luke 9: "³⁴ While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 


Morning thoughts: I like this passage above because it underscores to me how scary and mysterious and cloudy it can feel when God's trying to send a message. Then, in the cloud, the vision is clear and poignant. 


I'm looking for a cloudy moment today. I still feel a little like a spinning top, trying to prepare myself for the kids being gone three weeks and getting these sweet Afghan boys where they need to be medically. I was hungry for a nice, long sleep last night but made the mistake of inviting Ben to camp out in my room last night. David's out of town again and I figured it would be a fun bonding night. The only thing that was bonding about that was the bonding he was grinding off his teeth. That boy must have stumps! His teeth-grinding could keep a deaf person up all night. I have better hopes for tonight, or perhaps a nap.


And see? Instead of focusing on God's work for me today, what am I doing? Focusing on my next opportunity for sleep. After 80+ days, this still is a challenge!


His Deed/The Day: Today we went a-deeding at Wal-Mart to find some sunglasses and flip-flops. And to make a great day at Wally World even wallier, we got deeded by a Person of Wal-Mart! Imagine! A round woman who spoke fluent Palatka-ese, hollered "Honey!" at me as our little band of slow-moving bargain hunters hit the store. "He ought to get one of them scooters, he cain't walk around like that for long. Oh, honey — just make sure you get one that's charged." She gave Ashraf a wink, knowing it would be a thrill on par with Indy car racing. And it was. We motored around Wal-Mart and got what we needed. Quodrat seized the opportunity to catapult himself around the store on Ashraf's crutches. What a blessing!


I saw Hikmat again today at Ashraf's eye appointment. She hasn't changed a bit — full of hugs and a impish grin, beautiful eyes. I miss her deeply. It was a rough summer of Solace last year, but now that I see her I feel like I want to just hug her to bits. God's deed through me for Hikmat was to remind her host mother that popcorn makes Hikmat very, very, VERY happy.


On another note — I'm leaving tomorrow to take the kids to camp, as if I haven't talked about it like every two minutes. I may decide to leave my computer at home for a little Solace of my own.