I waved Cal goodbye as my carpooling friend drove him off to morning preschool. Eagerly, I jumped on Fierce and peddled. Biking is more than just a physical exercise time. It’s a time that I experience communion with God. I filled my lungs with the crisp chilled air and enjoyed the colorful canvass stroked with varied shades of crimson, tangerine, acorn and sage.
The more I peddled, the more cobwebs cleared from my brain and even more, from my heart. It’s been a challenging week here at the Fink home. With one of the boys home sick each day last week, my father’s unexpected two night hospital stay (thankfully all three are all much improved), and one final straw that nearly broke this camel’s back.
The straw that everything in me wants to keep it all to myself.
There’s a spot where I periodically love to go, just to hang with God. In the middle of my ride, I pulled over.
(Beautiful, huh?)
I lingered and God spoke through song lyrics that played through my armband, “It’s not about me, it’s gotta be about You (God).” Yup, more tears. I just want to share my life with my three in-ies and that’s it. But that’s not what God asked me to do this morning.
The “straw” that I mentioned above isn’t a straw, but rather a lump and I found it in my breast.
After two doctor appointments, one ultrasound, and consultation with my inner three, I’m headed to the surgeon’s office this Friday. Which coincidentally is most likely the day I will celebrate seeing my name in print for the very first time as a ” published” author.
When I connected the two happenings to be on or near the same day, yeah…I felt sorry for myself. Then I saw what was really happening. The enemy trying to get me down and (after I cried) I made the choice to rise up. I saw two options: Will I choose to dance in the storm or hang alone in a pity party?
A couple we love and admire are going through an “opportunity” – their words, not mine. I would have used: trial, struggle, dark season – they choose, “opportunity”. Their powerful, faith-filled choice infected my choice today. Which leads to the real reason I wanted to type this post. For prayers – YES! For a pity party – NO. To encourage you to think of your current “trial” as an opportunity too? YES! YES! YES!
Whatever trial you face today, is it possible to think that it could be an opportunity? An opportunity to experience God in a new, deeper and more intimate way? What if there’s a medical care provider that needs to know of Jesus and by moaning, I miss that opportunity?
When Jesus corrected Peter old school style, in Matthew 16:23b (NLT), he said, “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” The approach to keep it all to myself is about “me” – the approach to step out and share my faith with others is about “Him”.
The distance from here to there is about You (Lord), not me. Will you say “opportunity” instead of “trial”?
Steph-
i am such a LOS-ER! I am remiss in the fact that if i would keep up with your posts, I would know what was really going on in your life real time instead of finding out after your good news was received! you truly are inspirational and i finish reading your posts and have such a feeling of envy that you find such encouragement and fulfillment in your life and still have enough left over to share with so many others! I so, so admire you!
WHEN do you have time to read ANYTHING with four kids, a hubby with a hurt leg
, a job, a life, an international move and oh yeah, needing sleep at some point! Thank you SOOOOO much for having Cal over this morning – it was such a HUGE help – I arrived in perfect time! And truly, THANK YOU for the generous words Dana for they perked my spirit up! 
Steph, I was very surprised to read this post. I am thinking of you, and will definitely keep you in my prayers (most especially on Friday). I have to say, as I read the first part of this entry, I totally related (to the bike ride part). And it’s something I don’t get to do so so often (as I don’t have anything for towing the younger kids). Anyhow, I”m glad you have the bike ride, the time with God, and the time for reflection. I love the idea of the “opportunity” and I hope I can remember that when I’m in my own moments of opportunity. I’m praying that you get positive news on Friday after your procedure. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you at all.
((HUGS))
Thanks so much for your love, prayers and support Gwen. God brought you through, and that gives me a TON of encouragement. Having kids sure makes me savor the bike rides that I used to take for granted. To our next bike ride and Q time with the Big G! Love and hugs right back at ya!
Many blessing to you, Steph. Sending love and prayers your way. xox
Thanks so much Chele – LOVE YA!
My Dear Steph,
I love fall! That season where we see the beauty that is actually masked behind the green of the summer sun. Only in the light of seasonal change do we see the reality of life. You are in my prayers as God’s reality and beauty become even more evident in your life.
Fear not for I am with you!
Ginger
Sweet Ginger, Thanks SO much for that powerful truth that it’s in the seasonal changes where we see real life! Thank you for your love and prayers!
Stephanie,
I just wanted to let you know I said a prayer for you and your family today. I will continue to pray for your healing and for the nearness of God to guard you at this time. I love that we are never alone, even in the darkest of stroms. Love you girl.
Tina Johns
WOW… the Christ Central Alachua ladies truly are making me feel the love and the power of two or more gathered – THANK YOU SO MUCH TINA!
Steph- Know that you will be in my thoughts throughout this week and if there is anything that you may need, we are a telephone call away.
Shannon, thank you SO much…I really appreciate your willingness and friendship. The one thing that I’m really coming up short on these days is 80′s catch phrases such as “ZOINKERS” or “SHAZAM”.
Hi Stephanie,
Remember me from from She Speaks? Kim sent me an email about your situation with a link to your blog. You are so precious! God is going to do something amazing in your life through this “opportunity”.
Here’s a couple of Scriptures to “Encourage your Heart”: “Lord, even when I have trouble all around me, you will keep me alive. When my enemies are angry, you will reach down and save me by your power” (Ps 138:7); “Jesus said, ‘Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.’” (John 14:1).
Praying for ya, sister. Email me sometime when you get a chance. None of this surprises God; your life is totally controlled by the King of Kings. Trust Him. He knew this was coming & will continue to hold you all the way through it. Fret not, my friend. You’re in Good Hands.
Enjoy your day!
JENNY! There’s no possible way I could forget you, your sweet smile, or what a great cake sharer you are! (Do you remember that late night at the hotel?!)
I just printed off your two verses and will tuck them into my wallet so I can keep myself accountable. Your comment is a lot like you – a bright light for Christ!!! THANK YOU SISTER!
Oh, my sweet Steph,
God is ABLE! He is merciful and He loves you with all His Being. He will NEVER leave you or forsake you. You take your bold faith into every one of those physicians’ offices and let Jesus shine through you. Lives will be changed as you bring Christ’s love to them in the middle of your “opportunity.”
You and your family are in my prayers. Waiting for a miraculous report!
love you!
kim
Thank you for the power packed promises Roomie! I cherish your prayers and faith walk! A miraculous report is right around the corner! LOVE YOU and THANK YOU MY SISTER!!!!
Many prayers for you my friend!!!
Whatever you need, anytime you need it, I am here for you!! ♥♥♥
Thanks Linda for always caring and being willing to go the extra mile, you’re a dear friend! And HOW do you do those cute hearts!!!?!?!
Only thing I need right now (besides prayers that is..) is a crane to get my butt to Boot Camp this week – I heard about last week and I’m just plain scared! :-0 Pick ya up at 745 and give ya a bead headed boob-boob hug?!?!? I you!
My precious sister,
You are top of my prayer list this week for peace, comfort, and wisdom for this journey. Please keep me posted as I count the days to go gently boob to boob with you again!!!
Your prayers and love mean the world to me. Here’s to our next boob to boob hug!