6 Months ago I Knew a Woman

Last night, as I was fixing supper, a small lizard skittered across my stovetop.  I smiled at him and said, "hurry along, little guy, it's gonna get hot here real soon."  I waved my hand for him to continue on across onto the countertop.  Then I turned and continued gathering my things to fix supper, before we had to leave for church.  As usual my mind was going in a million directions and mentally making lists and....well, just plan multi-tasking.


It wasn't until a few minutes had past, and I realized what I had done, that it made me start thinking.


6 months ago... I knew a woman who would have jumped on top the kitchen chair or maybe tried climbing the wall just to get away from a lizard on her kitchen counter...now she jokes with him and then turns her back.


6 months ago, I knew a woman who, if she found a bug in her flour container, would throw the whole thing out...now she spoons out the bug and measures what she needs.


6 months ago.... I knew a woman who lived in a home with unlocked doors, now she lives behind bars (the good kind!).


6 months ago.... I knew a woman that could sleep all the night through....now she wakes up every few hours to "make the rounds", with the guard dog, to check all the doors and peek out the windows.


6 months ago... I knew a woman who was so intimidated with anyone noticing her, happy to stay in the background...now she lives in a country where it's impossible to blend in.  Therefore, she's learned to smile at the stares.


6 months ago...I knew a woman who almost daily drove to the store to get groceries or do shopping, now she must rely on her husband to drive her everywhere.


6 months ago...I knew a woman who enjoyed many hours of visiting and hugging on her cherished family members, now she must be content with just their voice.


6 months ago...I knew a woman who enjoyed to sleep in the air conditioning with thick blankets tucked up around her ears, now she can barely remember how that feels and the thought of thick blankets makes her sweat.


6 months ago... I knew a woman who took for granted the many privileges and luxuries of an American lifestyle,  now she's a little more sweaty.. a little more dirty...and a little more happy.


6 months ago... I knew a woman that didn't truly realize what it was like to have to rely on the Lord for absolutely every bite of food and daily protection, now her walk with the Lord is closer.


6 months ago...I knew a woman.

I started only putting funny things that I've overcome, but I don't want to paint a picture of flowers and sunshine and forget the storms.  Life on the mission field isn't always about the sunshine.  The rain comes, that's why  I included things that I struggle with.


But if the storms bring me closer to my Lord..... Send the Rain!


Signed,

Just a woman.