The First Gleam of Dawn

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18.

I feel this so strongly in my entire being. As I look out my window and absorb the beauty of the sun touching the field and the wind blowing in the branches, I know I am right there in the smack dab center of that Bible verse. The path that we are on has just begun to shine. It is a slow process. It will be years before the sun is even over the trees. But, the gleam has begun.

Hampton and I started our marriage with full gusto; dreams and plans galore. Then, we were surprised with the gift of a child. And another child. And another child. And finally, one more child. Four in five years. Having so many babies together, there was no way I could separate from them and work. My body was literally sustaining them and my mind was completely consumed with them.

Hampton was beginning a career in the Air Force that took him away from his full-time job. When training was over and it was time to get back into the workforce, the economy plummeted. Needless to say, we were in a tight spot. There was hardly any cash coming in. Faith is what got us through. I clung to the scripture, “I was young but now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25. We had nothing tangible to hope in. We only had God’s Word.

I am writing about this because it is so easy to forget! It has been nearly 12 years since those dark days of worry and financial uncertainty, and they seem like a dream. I think, oh it wasn’t that bad. But, it really was that bad. So bad that when our second child was born, we felt an unwavering assurance to name her Victoria. Victorious. Victory. We were subconsciously trusting God that her birth was a sign of victory. And, it most certainly was. God pulled us out of the slimy pit; slowly. One small job led to a better job, that led to a better job, and so forth. Now, Hampton is flourishing in business with skills that are uniquely his. We are living with more purpose than we could have ever imagined.

Back to the scripture above. God has been getting our path ready for the past 12 years. Our path was hidden in the darkness, it was not yet dawn. Our foundation was not ready to stand on. Our children desperately needed their mother for basic needs and an outpouring of love. Hampton needed to create and perfect the vast number of skills he is using now. Today, we have a strong foundation to stand on. Our kids are ready. We are ready. Our path is breaking forth like the dawn.

Wherever you are on your path, trust it. Be still where you are. I know God has put dreams and goals in your heart. He will mold them and perfect them for your benefit and His glory. Do not fret, do not be anxious. I encourage you to find a few Bible verses that stir your heart and apply to your situation. Read them every day. Soon, you’ll have them memorized. They will carry you through until the spiritual becomes tangible. Shine on!

#christianity #Motherhood #journey #jobs #waiting