If you have read here for any length of time, you know that July 4th in St. Louis was steeped in traditions and I have actually thought about how to handle that specific holiday since I found out we were moving. Brunch, the Webster Groves parade, and most of all Miss Shelley are synonymous with Independence Day for our kiddos and I have dreaded the emotions that were inevitable. You know the God we serve? Well He proved once again that nothing is too small for His care and He handled July 4th for our family in such a way that our past was acknowledged and valued but our new circumstances were, at days end, declared good by all involved.

It didn’t take long for the kids to announce that they missed Shelley and so we made a video greeting for her right away. There was little time to dwell on the loss though because God’s first provision arrived right as I posted the video on Facebook. My friend Vicky is on staff with Cru and arrived in FoCo that week for classes and then staff training. If you know Vicky (and many of you do) you know that she is a hoot and a joy and even though I haven’t seen her since she sang in our wedding, we picked right up and the kids loved her immediately. She went to the parade with us and having her there really helped the kids, I think. You could tell they missed home, though, and the first comment Bubba made was, “I can’t wait to see the Bubble Bus!” I had to explain that this parade was different and we would have no things to look forward to in this parade (This turned out to be not so true – the parade was cute and quaint but nothing to readily anticipate seeing next year.) Provision #2 from the Lord? Shelley sent a photo from the parade in Webster Groves the the note, “The Bubble Bus just went by and I am missing you!” Can you believe that?

Provision number three? A guy who works with Jeremy had invited us to lunch and it was a Pig Roast. We walked up to this in the front yard (and three dogs in the backyard) and the kids were distracted for the entire afternoon. 

Now that I’m thinking about it, I don’t think I fed my family dinner that night. We got home and laughed and talked while waiting for the fireworks and I think I forgot to feed them. Well, they are fine, so. . . We headed out to City Park at 9:00 PM for the 9:30PM firework show . . . and I have to admit it was nice. The weather was cool, it was nice to be together as a family, and the kids were tired enough that they were calm and quiet!!! A great ending to a great day.

A day meant to exalt our country and once again the Lord turned the focus to Him – He is our provider and cares so deeply for us. This July 4 built my faith and encourages me to persevere when His provision isn’t so blatant. I hope reading about His faithfulness will do the same for you.