Managing Irons

Too many irons in the fire, I'm told.

Not this kind of iron. :)

But I like the word picture.

I sure do miss the simplicity of being a 14-year-old in the Hill home. There really wasn't much a'tall to worry about or do. Just the horrid schoolwork or little chores. Or about ten hours of daylight to figure out what to burn it with. :) I wish I could bless every person with my 14-year-oldness, because I recognize not everyone's was so awesome. And I definitely didn't appreciate it at the time! :)

Lately, the 14-year-old (and older) heart has been heavy on me and occupied most of my prayers and thoughts. This past Sunday, Mercy Ministries came to give a presentation of their work and brought two girls who are currently in their program to share their testimonies. They offer a home for young women who suffer from abuse, addictions, eating/emotional disorders, or have unplanned pregnancies. I can't put into words the things I learned, the things I was blessed by, and the things that have been so heavy on my heart since then. Myself and six members of S.W.A.T. performed the "Everything" skit, and a local Christian school's dance team came and blessed us with two performances. During the presentation, I was confronted with the reality of the deep hurt some people face in their everyday. But the altar call showed me how close to home it is, when several girls from our own youth asked me to pray with them because they struggle with similar experiences. My heart has been broken, and though I don't know why, I've really struggled with a short wick and little patience. It's definitely stretching and challenging me, which is always a good thing even if it doesn't feel good. :)

Right now, the family is doing wonderful--we're all happy the weather is getting warmer. Daddy and Mom are working hard as always; either away from the house, with church or with the company. Phelisha and I are blessed with fellowship with some friends I've made through the mission trip last year, and Justin and Jonathon are enjoying SWAT and finally having some Christian friends their age to hangout with. The little ones are all in school and can't wait for it to be warm enough for the pool to be open! They also love church, and now get to come with us on Wed nights for 2nd Mile Club. :) Since our lives have gotten busier, we've been making family time and soaking up every moment we can spend together. It's been hard being so busy, since on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we older four typically don't ever see Dad because of time overlap. :( But we're praying for direction on how to simplify...maybe joining an Amish church???

I've found myself spread pretty thin, and I'm praying for strength not to get overwhelmed. I wholeheartedly LOVE everything my heart and hands are in right now. I reflect daily that sometimes too much is too much, and I can easily loose effectiveness with the busyness. I've had trouble discerning which irons to accept and which irons to decline, and rest in knowing the Lord will provide for both. He provides strength for the current iron, and provision for the iron that I pass. I've just never wanted to be the one who passed the broken man...I want to be the Samaritan. What do we do, when there's no room to walk because of the brokenness in abundance?

So far I've simply prayed.

Like King Jehosophat who said, "Lord, we don't know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." So we turn our eyes, and thank Him for sufficient grace and daily mercy. Amen.