Monday, September 15, 2014

What have the Hurleys been up to???

September 1, 2014:
Well....in the rare event someone is following along on this blog....you might wonder where are the Hurleys?  What are they up to?  (I am sure my coworkers have wondered.  I won't mention how long I've been on "leave".)  Hmmmmm....let's see. We have been busy: establishing routines, making memories as a family of 5, getting to know each other, medical appointments, therapy at home, teaching, learning, and lots of time together.  All this added to our "normal" responsibilities such as caring for a home, tending to three children's needs, teaching, coaching, and ministering.  It is probably the "normal" activities that have been the most difficult for us, because nothing is normal anymore.  At times, we crave normal and have even but caught trying to live "normal" but are reminded that none of this is conventional and God does not call us to comfy, normal, easy lives.


According to Matthew 16:24,  Jesus said to his disciples (US!), "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." (NLT)  Our entire adoption journey we have been aware of God molding us, shaping us, and preparing us.  This does not stop once our son came home.  Daily I feel as if the Lord is scouring me, shaving off the selfish in me, and teaching me about grace, love, and mercy.  Is it painful?  Absolutely!  He is pruning me for new growth and though it hurts now and is not easy to understand, I am fully aware that He is holding me.  My prayer has been that we (the Hurleys) will learn to love like Christ. 
"Love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.  Love bears ALL things, hopes all things, ENDURES all things.  Love NEVER ends."  Love like Christ.  I do not even come CLOSE to loving like HIM and yet I am thankful HE is willing to teach me, show me, mold me, and most definitely forgive me where I fail. 


So what have we been up to?  Living, learning, growing, and loving.  Just like you.....these things are not always easy but they are SO worthwhile. 


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