Monday, October 3, 2011

Juxtaposition



I’ve started seven or eight posts in the past week or so.

I’ve finished none.

They range in topic from the intensely trivial to the extremely heavy.

All over the board.

A reflection of where my life is right now. Always: A tension between the surface and the interior.

Sometimes the juxtaposition seems more extreme than at other times.

Like now.

Huge things are happening. There are some really big stories to tell. But they are not mine alone to share. No man is an island. So I’ve become tongue-tied.

There’s a major block in this wannabe-writer’s path.

Last week, I flitted around being social (for a change)… having surface encounters with different people… and all the while, there are these huge things that I’m pondering in my heart.

It makes me feel a bit like a fraud.

I’ve tried to make honesty and transparency hallmarks of this blog. But right now, it’s difficult. Some things are obscure even to me. And must remain so for now.

I’m not even sure where I’m headed with these comments.

Hmmm.

I guess what I’m asking for is some grace.

I know it’s frustrating for daily blog-checkers when I take inexplicable long absences. But the writing is always, always better when it’s not just me sounding off about something. When I wait for something to be revealed. And that doesn’t  happen on command.

So right now I’m waiting and listening. And praying.

I guess I would ask that, too, of my faithful blog readers. I especially ask it of those of you who have grown to care about our family, and have stuck with us and prayed us through some terrible storms.

I’m humbly asking you to pray for us again now.

To pray without even knowing why.

Without knowing all the juicy details.

I’ve learned that this is the most effective prayer of all, because our own human slant on things is absent then.

The Spirit Himself intercedes:

 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8:26, NLT)

In doing that for us, you become a part of the wonderful story that God is writing even now.

I hope I’ll be allowed to be His scribe one day.

Thank you for your role. It gives me chills to think of how mysteriously we are all knit together in this intricate tapestry of life.

Love, Kim

***************

(In the meantime, maybe we can get some of those trivial pursuits up this week. Because life is all of it.)

Also, please check the prayer lady for the latest prayer requests and scroll down to the bottom. (I know it’s annoying… need to learn how to reverse comments.) The Francis family is experiencing a situation far worse than anything we’ve been through. Please intercede for them as well!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

kim, thank you for your post. It is a honor to pray for you and your family. You are correct that our most effective prayers are usually when we just ask God to be in charge and for His way and His will in our lives and circumstances. Thanks again for the reminder to pray, wait on God, and watch for Him like the night watchman.

Peggy Dabbs said...

Certainly, dear Kim, I will pray for you and don't need to know why.
You and your family are so dear to my heart!

Our lives are intertwined in a way that was not planned by human design. Our heavenly Father is definitely in charge! Praying and waiting on Him!

Love,
Peggy

Anonymous said...

You're not a "wannabe-writer," you ARE a writer.

I respect your privacy as well as your transparency. Of course we'll pray.

It's a more mature type of prayer when you don't know all the details, or need to.

Thank you for the opportunity.

(a friend)

The Retarded Mother said...

I was just thinking yesterday about how deeply I have loved your family---mostly since Katherine's stroke (of insight). You know that I check on you every single day and hold you all in my heart---in my own way. It has been such a sweet gift in my very own life to be given the privilege of being a part of your family's life. I have been touched, moved and changed with each posting...by you and by Katherine. So, now I continue to pray and hold and hope...with you. Always. Marianne

Kim said...

crying now..... again.

Marianne, I promise you, I've been praying especially hard for you this week. Weird.

Thank you all for the affirmation, encouragement, prayers, and LOVE.

Such an honor to be the recipient of your prayers. Can't wait to see how they'll be answered.

It won't be boring.

love, kim

cheryl Doerr said...

I'm one of those that does check routinely to see what special inspirations you have for me... no pressure :)..seriously.. Our family has come to love and care for your family and prayed faithfully and yes, fervently...for Katherine, James, and Jay, and for the rest of the Arnolds'. So it is an honor to again in the wee hours of the night to lift you up to Jesus...Cheryl

Elizabeth Preston said...

No need to share details unless and until it is the time and way. God knows the ins and outs of every situation and how it all works together in His greater purpose, far more than we can in our constrained understanding. Praying for your family and asking His grace and peace for you.

Donna said...

You are not obligated to give details as to why you are asking for prayer, it isn't necessary. We are honored that you ask us to pray for you and your family. Just think, at this very moment my prayers are being heard by our Fahter in Heaven asking Him for healing and grace for you, Donna.

K said...

I have been following you and your family for a while. I was reading my devotional today and thought of you. You can read it online at KCM.org. Click on faith to faith and choose today's devotional Oct 4th. I am guessing your prayer need might be for healing. If not, it is an inspiring devotional. The title is The Deciding Witness. As it says. God's Word is yea and Amen and by His Stripes, ye were healed. I'm believing with you for your complete healing in every area of your life!

Susan said...

Kim,
In a recent Bible study, we were reminded that we need to be in the right place to receive our blessings. The path to the right place can be difficult, though. I am praying for you and your family - no need to know why - and know God will lead you where you need to be. I am one of those who checks every day to see if there is anything new from you. It is ALWAYS a blessing when I find something. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!
Love,
Susan

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Kim, for all that you share. Will pray, of course. And thank you for the mention of the Francis family. Sending my love to you, R.