Rain Shoes

I'm wearing my rain shoes again. I've worn them a lot these past seven or eight months. At first I was wearing them every day. Now, I put them on at unexpected times. It could happen when I am in the grocery store, or working as a retail sales associate. Sometimes I'm at a local eatery or craft shop. Wherever it is, the change of shoes takes place in the same manner. First, I see someone from our previous place of ministry. Next, there is an awkward moment as we exchange a glance, acknowledging the other's presence. Then there is usually the same question posed: "How's _________?(my husband) I answer that he is doing fine - what else am I to say? Finally, as the individual departs, I begin to change into my rain shoes. It can happen immediately or gradually, but it happens. It rains....from my eyes.

Last night my almost twelve year old son had to put on his rain shoes too. He misses his friends, friends he has had since he was born. My son shared that, because of all that had happened, his relationship with those friends has been forever altered. He will never be as close to them as he would have been. I sadly agreed with him, feeling helpless and frustrated.

As I continued to converse with my son, I shared with him some verses in the Psalms that have filled me with encouragement and hope.The verses are found in Psalm 126: 5-6 :

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."

When I shared these verses with my son, his reponse was, "Well, we are going to have a lot of songs!" He is right! I am excited to sing those songs with him. The rain shoes will come off and the dance shoes will take their place.

Dear Sisters, fellow PW's, be encouraged. You will not always be wearing your rain shoes! God will enable us to persevere as we sow. He will strengthen us. We can sow our tears with the confidence that we will also reap songs of joy. Live in that truth this week!