Snake pants, 5 years later...

In my first blog post here 5 1/2 years ago, I wrote about a pair of snake-printed skinny pants I had mustered up the courage to put on after 6 years of being pregnant and having babies.  The pants, for me, became kind of a symbol.  A moving on from one phase into another, as my oldest started kindergarten and our youngest was...well...the last.  And a reminder, that the clothes on the outside of us are nothing compared to the peace of God that dwells within.

Those pants are still in my drawer.  I got to thinking about them the other day, maybe because I haven't worn them in a while.  (The peace of God is still certainly hanging around, but the waistline doesn't look exactly the same.)  This year my oldest starts middle school, so onward we go, into a new phase with new challenges and new opportunities.  The more we move on, the more joy I receive from getting to know God's peace....

My peace I leave you, my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:26

You see, God's peace is not always ideal.  Sometimes the soul is tired.  Sometimes the soul is angry.  Sometimes the soul cannot see the path in front of it.  But His peace is constant.  It is faithful.  And when all the world around me is screaming, it is the whisper that keeps me balanced.

God's peace is also a promise.  When we cannot see it, cannot feel it, are not sure it is there...it is in these moments that Christ invites us to call out to Him, that we might receive His peace not as we might expect the world to give us a gift, but as He might give one.

I pray you peace for the road ahead, friends.  I pray for ups and downs that bring you closer to God, that acquaint more with his sovereignty, his mercy, his grace.  I pray for my kiddos as they begin a new school year, and for each teacher and staff member that will cross their paths and shape their minds.  I pray for myself!  May I be equipped to handle the road ahead of me, both seen and unseen, with God's help.  May I be a instrument of His good and perfect will.  

And just in case it helps....may I also be able to get into those snake pants again some day soon.....

XOXO--Kelly

Blake's most recent snake encounter, a rattler he encountered at the deer lease.  Don't worry...no pants were harmed in the killing of this snake.