Some days are tough. Today was one of those days. But God knew before today that I would need Him, that He would provide the time and the words to say. Today was a day I needed to be calm in the midst of the storm. I could not have done that if God had not provided His peace.
Last Friday Carrie had outpatient surgery. She had a Fibro adenoma removed from her breast. She had discovered this cyst during her first semester of college. After several doctor visits, it was determined to have it removed. Carrie did great on Friday. The lab report came back, and the cyst was benign - just as expected. She went back to the dorm on Sunday evening and in class on Monday. She was tired and sore, but okay.
She called me crying this morning. She was not feeling well and possibly running a fever. She had an appointment to apply for her passport and didn't feel well enough to drive. God had this...it was Tuesday, and I have a big block of free time (read: time to work on stuff that never gets done because I'm teaching). I was able to immediately leave my office and pick her up.
All this is going on physically, and looming is the big emotional discovery of the day. Carrie applied to be an RA next year. She has been talking about it since fall semester. She was pumped to serve in this capacity. Today was the day they would get the letter about RA selection. Her roommate also applied. The letter came - she was not selected. She was devastated, distraught and disappointed. Her roommate was chosen. Remember, they are Winshape students. There are a limited number of slots for RA on mountain.
I had been praying about this since she applied. I knew there was potential for being disappointed. I sent her a text this morning "God made you special and He loves you very much - and so do I." I prayed for her to have grace to handle whatever happened, to have peace.
Again, God had this. I was in a lesson with a voice student that I accompany and was able to leave and answer her call. She came to my office - a perk of going to school where your mom works - and I was able to hug her, let her cry and talk her through this difficult time.
We talked about how much this hurt. We talked about how to be really honest about what she was feeling. We talked about how she couldn't be angry at anyone, the decision was made. We talked about what she could learn through this experience. I prayed with her, asking God to pour out His love and grace on her during this time. I eventually had to get back to teaching, but she stayed in my office.
She played the piano and picked up the hymnal. Both ministered to her.
"Lord, You light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness.
With You I can attack a barrier, and with my God I can leap over a wall.
God - His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him."
Psalm 18:28-30
Pray for her, she is hurting. Pray that God will open doors and she will feel loved by Him.
