Providence. By definition the term means,
“the foreseeing care and guidance of God over the creatures of the earth.”
Twelve years ago Matt and I moved into our Charlotte home. With a load of boxes and furniture, a toddler, and a son on the way, we unpacked our dreams of prosperity and opportunity. We had been married four years and life was good. New job, new baby, new life. How could anything go wrong?
Yet life brings surprises. Trials and challenges.
Two years later, our dinner conversations centered around a new topic — autism — after our son was diagnosed with the disorder. Life as we knew it was different, often confusing and unknown.
In 2008, Matt’s industry took a dive in the recession. I stopped dwelling on the long list of repairs our home needed and began praying that we would be able to stay in it. The pile of bills never diminished. We pulled back on therapies for our son and struggled with expenses of raising a family. Even small purchases terrified me.
And we wondered, “Will we make it?”
Today I drive back to that same home, the one dotted with patches of rotting wood and in need of a good coat of paint. As I drive, I pass a shopping center. Providence Commons. I drive down a street named Providence Road and turn left. I pass another road—this one called Providence Lane—and enter my neighborhood. The welcoming sign at the entrance reads “Olde Providence.” The elementary school where my young children attended is nearby. It, too, bears the name “Providence.”
It suddenly occurs to me that I have always been surrounded by Providence. By God’s Provision. His unforeseen care over my life.
So many nights I tossed in bed wondering if we could make it one more day. So many days I wanted to throw in the towel. The odds were stacked too high against us. Yet in all of those years of struggle, we were covered by God’s divine and all-knowing care.
So are you.
Had I looked, I would have seen the reminders that God had placed around me: Providence Road, Providence Lane, Olde Providence Neighborhood, Providence Elementary … and the list goes on. Uncanny reminders that I am covered by God’s provision and care. Coincidences?
Look around you. Do you see the signs of God’s love around you? I ask you,
What road signs has God placed around you to remind you that He is with you in your struggles?
I believe that if you look, you, too, will see signs. God’s “road sign reminders” of His divine care for you. When you do, I’d love to hear back from you to tell me what you find.
Blessings,
Kelly
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Dear Kelly,
Thank you for reminding me how much what I see around me is God’s Providence. I cleaned houses for 10 years for elderly ladies in our church. By God’s providence I have a number of treasured furnishings in my home that they gave me before moving on to assisted living. My daughter with Aspergers left the side pieces of her “Horse Shoe” welded book case behind the wood stove when she moved out into her first tiny apartment. This week she received dual diplomas in the mail. An AS in Diesel Tech. and an AS in Welding from our community college. (One of the best Diesel and Welding programs in the nation, by God’s providence) To crown it all she was the Diesel Student of the year. Looking at my life 5 years ago when she was diagnosed, though I had know for years, I did not have a clue what my little girl would do. 5’4″ and 135 pounds of drive with no purpose. Confusion at ever corner.I hope this will encourage you and other Mothers who are at that cross road. My dyslexic son confessed his dyslexia to his peer group in their final speeches, and I know he too will be finding his way as he is entering his junior year of high school. The hard years are behind him and he is excited about this year in school and trying for high enough grades to make the cross country team. He had very low grades, but got the Achievement award for the Outstanding student of the year in PE. Everyone has their niche.Shalom,Deena
Deena….It really encourages me to see how your children have succeeded. Duel diplomas? (One is hard enough..ha)
The confusion at ever corner comment hit home. That must have been hard.
Deena, you must be a wonderful mother. I hope that you take a moment and soak in the joy of these successes. Don’t let them go by! Enjoy them.
Thank you! I needed these reminders today of God’s providence. Nothing…nothing ever goes on that the Lord does not know and allow. And His hand is in it always!
I think we all need reminders. But I do know that He is always there and He has the plan. Blessings, Trisha.
I get so tired sometimes…worrying if my family will be ok, wondering if we will make it over the many hurdles, stressing about how to handle the latest problems (there are always problems), and wondering if I can keep up the fight when I feel like I have nothing left to give and can’t trudge through one more day. Thanks for reminding me that God is in control. He will handle it.
I think I will let Him.
I know what you mean! When are we getting together? I really miss you, Wendy.