"It's a God thing"

I've been using the phrase "It's a God thing" a lot lately. God has really been doing a lot in my heart and in my life.

It all started at the beginning of the month when I had my truck accident. While it wasn't God's fault it happened (it was my own carelessness), He allowed it to happen. I ended up finding a great car that I only had to pay $200 more than what I got for my truck. This car gets far better gas mileage than my truck (10-11 mpg more) so it is much more economical. It was/is a great opportunity to give God thanks and glory as He obviously had His hands of protection on me. Yes, this truck accident proved to be a "God thing."

A week later Barnabas, my pet rabbit, died. This was very difficult for me as I had Barnabas for almost 10 years, since he was 6 weeks old. He was truly my "baby" and it was a great loss. It didn't take me even a week to realize I couldn't live without a pet. I needed another living being around. I looked on Craigslist and found a cat in Huxley, where I'll be moving, that proved to be the perfect cat for me. He has the prettiest green eyes! He's 3 years old, front declawed, neutered, litter trained. We are a great fit! Finding Buddy was definitely a "God thing."

I've been planning on moving to Huxley and it seems a perfect apartment is opening up in the perfect time. I will likely be moving on my birthday, April 23. What a perfect way to start a new year. I am SO looking forward to being out of the apartment here in Ames where I have so many memories with David. I am looking forward to being in the community where my church home is and closer to my amazing church family! Yep, it's a "God thing!"

This next one is BIG! I got in my car to drive to church this morning and the song "Bless the Broken Road" was on the radio. This was mine and David's song. If you've never heard it, here are the lyrics:

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

[Chorus:]
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

[Chorus]

Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

Until this morning, every time I'd hear that song I would change the station. I just couldn't handle listening to it. When I heard the song, I thought to myself, "Really? I can't handle this right now!" However, as I was reaching to change the station, God spoke to my heart. His Spirit spoke softly to mine that David was part of the broken road that would lead me to someone else. That was really hard to hear. A part of me still believed that David and I would someday still end up together. And, I can't say we won't, I certainly don't know what God has planned. Perhaps David is just going through his own part of his broken road. It would take a LOT to repair the trust that has been broken. Whether David is part of God's future for me or there is someone else, I know that what I am going through is just part of the broken road that will lead me right to where God wants me and to exactly who God has for me. Yes, hearing that song this morning, as well as the pain and heartache I have been and am going through... "It's a God thing".

As my counselor told me (and I wholeheartedly agree) "There is no pain without purpose." As Romans 8:28 says "All things work together for good for the purpose of those who love God." All things include the painful things.