One Year Ago Today

It’s been one year today since our world was turned upside down. One year ago, the Lord saw fit to take nearly every material possession away from us. As this day approached and I thought about writing, I thought it would be a sad day…a day that brought back so many difficult images and tearful moments. A day of such loss. But as l laid awake last night, I just could not be sad. As I look back over this year and think about the fire that took everything, I don’t see the fire but rather I see the goodness of God through it all. When I see what He has done in our family, there is no sadness. When I remember how the Lord provided, there is only thankfulness. When I remember how so many people gave so willingly to help us…I am humbled. When I think about all the things we lost……I am grateful for the things the Lord has given us that are eternal!
Do I understand it all more today than I did when it happened? No, I don’t. I still don’t know why He chose to work this way. I don't know why He allowed such a hardship for our family. But I know that even when we don’t understand, God is always good. His character never changes. Even if we can’t see Him working, He is ALWAYS working in our lives.
This was our home a year ago.

This is our home now here in Togo.

It is easy to praise the Lord when things are going smoothly. But it can be hard to praise the Lord in the dark days. I will praise the Lord when I see His hand working. And I will chose to praise Him even in the times when His hand is unseen!