When I suggested we take the last week of Ross’s sabbatical off to celebrate my birthday, I kinda thought something at work would happen that would require my staying home and taking care of some fire burning or something on the home front would be drama filled leaving my hubby feeling hesitant about going away and unplugging.

But God seemed to be determined to give us this sabbath rest after a very difficult 90-day Sabbatical. Many of you know the plan was for us to go across the country in the motorhome speaking on our Together for a Purpose book and meeting with authors and peers along the way. First the diesel prices skyrocketed and then some unexpected news landed just a few weeks before Christmas which sent us into retreat mode and settled a bit of a cloud of uncertainty over my hubby’s head.

Then there’s the “T” word … Transition is hard, especially when you’re not ready or even able to retire. And even more so when you’ve been the guy in charge for over three decades. Decisions were made that didn’t make sense to us, but we were determined to trust God even when we didn’t understand. The roller coaster of emotions welling up in both of us was harder than expected, but God saw us through. (No wonder He gave me “strengthen” as my word of the year for 2023! He knew I would need just that!

When I first made the reservation for the Treehouse it was supposed to be cloudy and 40’s. I didn’t care, I still wanted to go and overlook the water even if it was dreary, to nourish my weary soul.

I didn’t complain to God or ask Him to change the forecast. I just went on my way and low and behold, the day before my birthday as we drove into the Pt. Townsend Hudson Point Marina and RV Park, the sun shone with warmth we’d missed since last summer.

And my birthday up in the trees was the same. Sunny albeit a bit chilly, it was delightful. The sunset He provided was breathtaking and watching the masterpiece He painted in the sky left me smitten once again with God’s faithfulness.

God gave us that kiss on the cheek that we were needing, and it was encouraging.

As I stirred this morning knowing we’d need to get going to prep to drive the motorhome back home, something seemed different outside. Looking out I spied whitecaps on the water and the wind was picking up. It wasn’t long before there was a Gale Warning on the weather app. The windier it got, with clouds rolling in, hubby decided it would be better to stay another day and drive home tomorrow after the wind dies down.

Moving to a different spot for the unexpected extra night put us right up close to the water from a different angle, as dark clouds filled the sky. Whipping winds moved the motorhome back and forth a tad more aggressively than a nice sway.

But inside we are warm, snuggled up on the recliner chair and couch, reading away.

I think He wanted to let us know that the storm isn’t over and the wind may still rage away, but depending on Him for every step we take is where we will stay warm and snuggled in Him. Looking back this was not the way I expected the Sabbatical to end up, but I’m trusting that He has a plan and He is walking with us!

Thanks for spending time with me today!
Athena