Category Archives: Growth Experiences

Freedom’s Gift of Faithfulness

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Freedom’s Gift of Faithfulness As though it was a friend that was painstakingly selected and nurtured, I said a tough goodbye to the Nichols and Stone cherry table and chairs as they passed through the front door. They were moved out the day of property division, along with many other items that just weren’t as meaningful. It wasn’t just furniture to me. It was a place where I had fed my kids many meals. We had shared stories and laughter. While some moments shared there weren’t always pleasant, I would choose to remember the good times.

We were left with a big empty kitchen floor and bar top that seated three – yet there were four of us. Having meals together was sacred to me. How would I solve this, among all the other new challenges that presented themselves endlessly during this time of endless change? As in other times of need, I opted to pray earnestly for a functional table and chairs. And, as long as I was asking, it needed to be functional, as well as have great visual appeal in a home that was also being sold.

The next day I set out to find a replacement. I was drawn to a resell store I had heard about, in hopes the new find wouldn’t break a budget that was already stretched due to a divorce. When I walked in and described what I was looking for, the owner in surprise said, “We just had a table and chairs delivered that sounds exactly like what you want. It’s still in the back. Come take a look.” My expectant heart was nervous as I wondered if my search could really be this easy. When I saw the set, I was in disbelief. It was better than what I had hoped for or imagined. It was a bigger table, with seating for 8 instead of 6.  Although it wasn’t cherry, the maple brownish red stained top passed as a close resemblance, and the black painted accents matched my décor perfectly. The price was exactly what I budgeted.

That was ten years ago. Many fond and precious times were had at this new gathering place in our next home where freedom birthed many new beginnings. It was a sign of provision and faithfulness to me each time I glanced at it or sat down at it to break bread. Over the years, the seats had become lovingly worn from the rivet marks of fancy jeans’ pockets. A few missing touches of black paint were barely apparent.

I recently decided to upgrade our kitchen area. With a reluctant spirit, I posted the table, chairs and matching bench for sale online. After a few hits from curious, but not serious contenders, I received a message of unquestionable intent. “If this isn’t sold, I’ll take it. May I pick it up tonight?” We quickly firmed up a plan. My throat had a lump and I unexpectedly became emotional, along with the relief to just be done. As promised, the new owner arrived with eagerness to take my friend that was originally a mere substitute – yet had turned out to be so much more.

As we carried it piece by piece out to her truck, I teared up. I asked her if she was a believer. She confidently said, “Yes I am.” That was the gateway into my story of how this wasn’t just furniture. It was a sign of God’s faithfulness and promise. She then shared that she was having a group of women from her church over the next evening, and when she saw this table, she was drawn to it after looking at countless others. This dear woman, who now felt eerily familiar to me, told me about the traditional Southern feast she would be cooking and serving as the first meal fitting for this table. I told her this made the ending and new beginning even sweeter. As a Southern girl who had grown up and filled her stomach on the very fried chicken and gravy and peach cobbler she was preparing for her guests, my heart was now full as well.

My journey of freedom is full of countless stories of faithfulness. I was compelled to share this one to give others hope. When we step into or are called into the unknown, fear can consume us. We naturally ask, “Can I make it work?” “Will I be able to do this on my own?” along with many “What if…?” questions that cause us even more unnecessary worry and stress.

Remember to just simply believe. Trusting our Provider frees us from worry and sets us on a path to discover and rest on the true and lasting faithfulness of our Promise Keeper.

What Happens in the Canyon…

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By Teresa G. Carey, Author – The Attractive Trap

My husband tried to prepare me more than once, “You’ll leave something there, but you’ll take something far better out with you.”  As we started the trek from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon at 5:30 a.m. with two of our five kids, his advice kept repeating in my head. Yes, I anticipated nature’s splendor, expected physical discomfort and was counting on reaching the opposite rim before dark.  What else could possibly happen in THE canyon that would be so impactful?

Let’s get this straight – I was showing up to prove I could hike this beast of a canyon – rim to rim for 25ish miles in spite of the altitude challenges, hydration and heat issues.  And, yes, I also wanted the four of us to share in this gutsy glory and grandeur together. Although there were warning signs advising of the potential dangers of taking the full hike on in one day, I was convinced that was for all of those other people.

One month later, I’m still transfixed by the experience And, as usual, my husband who was no stranger to the canyon having run rim to rim to rim a few years ago, was spot on. These take-aways are a few of the treasures that came out with me, yet could never describe what happened that will sacredly stay there.

Control what you can, understand what you can’t, and lean into the unknown.

There was a complete surrender to the conditions that were out of our control – the heat, the terrain and the altitude. We could only control the training undertaken in our preparation and making sure we consumed sufficient water and nutrition the day of the hike. Having never trained in these exact conditions, we weren’t sure how our bodies would react. We found out quickly. The temperature variance was 50 degrees in about 4 hours and the elevation difference was about 6000 feet for both rims. We absolutely knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore.

When in unfamiliar territory, instead of resisting or questioning, it’s much more effective to dance with the experience, learning along the way while being fully present in each moment.

Pace Yourself

Two of us paced ourselves early on, allowing an energy reserve for the hardest part of the hike during the 8 mile climb out. Those who didn’t pace themselves struggled the most with heat stroke and cramps (We agreed the details of this part of the trek would always stay in the canyon!). There’s a reason this is touted as the one of the “ten most dangerous hiking trails.”  The heat in the box can reach over 120 degrees and the unexpected dozens of switchbacks invite a treacherous fall. Heat strokes are common. Dehydration is familiar. If you stop to rest a few minutes each hour and take in nutrition, you allow your body to pace, reserving the most energy for the most challenging part of the climb out.

When we treat too many areas with the tyranny of the urgent, our energy and impact are may be diminished for those things that ultimately matter.

Nature is cathartic – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

In the canyon I became intimately present with myself and my Creator. It was transforming to experience the diverse and breathtaking beauty, the connection with nature and to hear only the internal beat of the drummer. The many proven benefits of connecting with nature were illuminated.  Here is just a handful:

There was no perceived stress. I was and am beyond grateful. My head is refreshingly clear.

We can’t always hike the Grand Canyon for our next life-changing adventure. We can, however, go for walks in the park or on a local trail or grab some much needed vacation time in a natural setting.

Because you never know what will happen “in the canyon” that you’ll leave behind or take away that will forever change you.