"For I know..."

Have any of  you ever wondered what God's purpose is for the circumstances you are going through? I mean, you know God is in it, so you're content with the circumstances and thankful for God's presence, provision and purpose even though you don't know what it may be. " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' " Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV.

I had these thoughts this morning as Bug and I drove the dark, barely two-lane road to the highway. Headed in to town to start our morning. As I drove, I wondered why God has me driving a school bus and scrubbing toilets while I'm still trying to pay the $20K plus students loans I incurred while obtaining my degree in Early Childhood Education. Why, after 20 years of experience teaching, managing and training, is this where He has me? Where is He going to move us next?

I am so thankful for God's purpose and for His provision. I rest in knowing that He is in the driver's seat and I can just kick back and enjoy the scenery. I don't even have to navigate because He already knows the way.

There are many mornings that I wish I could stop and take pictures of the beautiful sun rises He gives me while driving through and around our Ghost Town. Many times I have desired to stop and capture, in writing, the serenity of fluffy snowflakes floating all around as we bounce down the washboard path of a recently graded gravel road. (Yes, even with a bus-load of chattering kids, there is solace) A gentle snowfall is a salve to the heightened senses.

I never, in a million year, imagined I would be where I am today; doing what I am doing. There have been several times when I have wanted to move onward and upward, but just didn't feel a peace about it. I am at peace with where I am. God's blessing comes when we do what He says. So I press on, thanking God for His blessings and praying that I can hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant."