It is Well with my Soul

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=3a0175c544b72e4861b9

or



I hope that link works. I've been having trouble with some links.

As many times as I have sung that hymn I never knew the story behind that hymn until a few years ago. I encourage you to watch the link and hear the story for yourself.

I was going to write about busyness tonight, but I will have to save that for another time. I'm just too busy. Just kidding.

I think some people feel God is far away from them because they don't see big miracles taking place in front of them. God does perform big miracles. I'm not sure if you believe the Bible stories as just that or if they are something much bigger than that to you. It's supernatural really. Kind of like how the words of the hymn came to Horatio G. Spafford. His pain and suffering was heavy but he was at peace. How is it that people can be at peace during times of grief, and suffering? How is it that people can remain with faith in a God who could have prevented it? Those are questions I've asked and been asked.I don't want to get in a debate or go too deep, but I want to share what is on my heart.
Yesterday, my husband and I went on the first date we had been on in I don't know how long, probably a year. A few things happened but let me give you a little background.
Last year we had a young adult egg hunt at our church. One large egg, the prize egg was hidden in the church dumpster. Knowing the people who hid the egg, I encouraged my experienced husband to go dumpster diving. It paid off as the egg was among a mountain of stench. Inside was a movie theater gift card, enough for two tickets!
Well we have been talking about taking a date night. Things just kept happening and we never did. So the opportunity came again and this time we jumped on it.
It was a busy Saturday and we were running late for a birthday party at the local skating rink. I grabbed my lotion so I could finish putting it on in the car. After the party we planned to drop the kids off at my parents and head to the theater. In the car the best I can remember I took off my wedding ring and sat it in my lap while putting on lotion. When we got to the party I got out of the car and I never remember putting the ring back on.
We dropped the kids off at my parents, made a quick stop at the mall to do something for my mom and then to theater to watch The Blind Side, what a great movie it was. It wasn't until on the way home Ian realized his wallet was missing. We knew we had it at the ticket counter, but after that we were not sure. We drove back to theater, crawled on our hands and knees looking for this wallet. I had just bought it for him at Christmas. He had the other wallet as long as I knew him. It even had embedded stickers Ericka had put in there when she was about Evan's age. It had family pictures, all kinds of important stuff, and cash.
Those of you who know the story of our life for the past few months understand this was a little heart wrenching. After all we just wanted to go out, we were not spending any money we didn't have, all we wanted was a night to be together, alone, without kids or anyone else.
We have had a season of trials but also a season of blessings so to all the sudden get another blow. It was like okay take a deep breath, what is going on here. We didn't say much to each other the whole way home. Sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut in times like these.
I slept hard last night, I think I stayed in the same position all night. Ian made it up for Sunday school late, but he made it. I was still getting myself and the kids together. While getting myself ready Evan sliced his finger on a picture frame. So I had this kid screaming and slinging blood everywhere. He was scared of a band aid. But either I am in shock again or I really have peace. I was not at all bothered that I overslept and missed Sunday school once again. I calmly got the band aid on the kid and we headed out the door.
It was then I realized I left my ring. I frantically searched and swallowed deep remembering my steps yesterday. Yes, I lost my wedding ring yesterday as well. One of the first things to pop in my thoughts was "you don't need that ring where you are going."
I waited on that ring. I wore an engagement ring for the first five years. We saved up to buy the wedding band. He surprised me for our fifth wedding anniversary with it. He put it on my hand for the first time during our renewal service. It was a beautiful marquis surrounded by a band of diamonds.
But yet again I didn't cry for some reason I had peace. I even found some humor in the situation. You religious people may have a problem with this but a secular song even crossed my thoughts, one I hadn't heard in years and I am convinced it was a Holy Spirit thing. The song basically says "Some people want diamond rings, some people just want everything, but everything means nothing if I ain't got you." At first it hit me as yes Lord everything means nothing if I don't have You. But Lord I have you and I have everything. Then of course the thought followed about Ian. Our marriage isn't over because he ain't got no cash and I ain't got no diamonds. These things remain, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE!
Thinking further tonight about what to blog about the hymn, It is well with my soul began playing out and I read about how the words came to a man who was under a lot more suffering than me.

But I related to
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

Lord you have taught me it is well with my soul, my soul is well and that is why I am at peace. The enemy wants me to believe that I am losing everything, but I am gaining everything. My faith, my hope, my trust and my love remains Lord for you.

Is it well with your soul today?

Dreaming of more faith, more hope and more love today!