I just might be getting too old for this...

We just returned from a youth retreat just outside of Duncan, BC.  I kept thinking as we were getting close to leaving, am I too old for this?

The answer is No.  The question of being too old for this, is my insecurity talking.

I was feeling dead tired going into the weekend.  I had worked 3 night shifts in the week before.  My newly adopted daughter had some tough days in the week and Kent and I had some tough things to deal with in the week.

I am not feeling at liberty discussing the tough stuff here, but pray for our family.  Just when we thought we could be "through" a trial, another one presents itself.

We picked up 3 kids at the church for the retreat and headed up the Island to Duncan.  I had this thought....just give up.  It's not worth the struggle.  Immediately I countered that thought with this one.  Why would I give up now?  The past 18 months or so, although there were some really great times in it--has felt a little like one big, very long, drawn out trial.

So, I battled it out in my head.  It is worth it, although tiring this is often what I tell myself.  This life is the only Hell I will ever know.  As bad as it gets -- its only temporary.  I am doing my level best to follow after Jesus--so my future is secure.

On the flip side of that thought is this:  This life is the only Heaven some people will ever experience.

Perspective is everything.  So I soldier on.

When we got to the retreat I immediately entered into it all, the fun, the craziness, the services and I felt immediately encouraged and fortified.

There are two girls there that recently lost their Mom to cancer, in fact the funeral is on Saturday the 21st.  Another is in the process of what could be a cancer scare.  If ever they needed a Mom, it is now.  I knew my job instantly--and loved them.

There are many, many amazing stories from this weekend, too many to post in this blog but I have to say this one thing.  Rob and Chelsea Penney are amazing people and youth leaders.  Clark and the band from SPC were amazing.  I can't wait for another time to be in their company.

God is good.  All the time.

I am home now and I am tired, but I am feeling restored.  Whatever comes my way in the next numbers of days, months or years, I know that God has gone through it before me and I solidly have an amazing husband in Kent beside me.

I am blessed among women.