What If?

This past year was insane.
Literally, it has been one of the worst years of my life.

My hubs, kids, and I have been in a constant state of sickness it seems.
No amount of disinfectant or sanitizer has kept it out of our houses or our bodies....

We have moved from one state to another, lived in 3 different houses and just recently found one to live in.
One of those houses had a major mouse and roach problem by the way!

We've visited 5 different churches and have only just now decided to call one of them home.
Still haven't connected with anyone personally though...

Did I mention that we live in an area of the country prone to crazy weather conditions?
Freak ice storms, giant sized hail, tornados, 40+ mph winds, and earthquakes have all frequented our state this past year.

We found out that my husband might have to retire earlier than we anticipated because of military cutbacks.
Not before deploying a few more times though of course...

And our car got stolen right out of our driveway!
Yep, while we were home eating dinner...how audacious!

I've been living in a season that I like to call "What If?"

What if we get sick again tomorrow even though I cleaned my house twice yesterday?
What if the military moves us again this year instead of letting us get settled for a bit?
What if we don't make any friends and have to go church hunting again just to get plugged in?
What if a tornado comes and we lose everything we've worked so hard for?
What if my husband loses his job and I have to go back to work and can't home school my kids anymore?

The "What If" season is exhausting!

I'm just keeping it real.
It is hard to put one foot in front of the other sometimes, right?
I know you've been there...

But, can I tell you what God showed me during that crazy, exhausting and frustrating season?
He showed me that I was putting all of my effort into this idea of "What If?"
I was more focused on what could happen that I was missing out on what was happening during that time.

And things were happening...

God made a way for us to move to a safe neighborhood where there was not even a house available to rent!
My kids have become so kind and "others" focused because they've had to help me and eachother out through each bout of sickness!
My oldest can even teach his younger siblings their school lessons if I'm sick and can't get out of the bed.
Our new neighborhood has a park directly in front of our house where our kids can play and make friends.
Our stolen car was found and returned to us with no damage!
My husband just got a promotion and started putting extra money away for the unknown future.
Psalm 91 has become our family mantra during crazy weather episodes and prayer is more of a lifeline than ever!

In essence, Romans 8:28 has happened:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

If you're in a season of "What If?" right now, I challenge you to redirect your focus.
Remember, it won't last forever.
There is always something happening beneath the surface that will be gloriously revealed at the right time!
Nothing is ever wasted!
Ask Him to show you what He's doing in the midst of your trial and I guarantee your whole outlook will change for the better.
It's amazing what a little change in perspective can do....