Lessons Learned Before the Storm

“Anyone who comes and listens to me and obeys me is like someone who dug down deep and built a house on solid rock. When the flood came and the river rushed against the house, it was built so well that it didn’t even shake”—Luke 6:47-48(CEV).

Wednesday, March 30 began with my usual morning routine: a mug of hot tea and time with Jesus. I was excited about my day, which included lunch in Tulsa with a dear friend, followed by a stop at my real estate agent’s office to sign the contract for the sale of my house. God is leading me on a new adventure—a new chapter in my life. My spirits were soaring. My house had been on the market less than a week and I’d had two full-price offers.

After inking the contract, I returned home to wait for my agent to stop by with the “sold” sign. Forty minutes later, I snapped a photo of her attaching that small metal sign to her real estate one. I wanted to celebrate because now I didn’t have to keep my house in pristine condition for showing. I could take a breath and quit worrying about every dust mote and piece of grass tracked in by my dog.

Before the sale, I’d swept, vacuumed and dusted almost every day. While I’d been a meticulous housekeeper in my younger days, keeping my house spotless is not a priority now. When I speak to women’s groups, I love telling them I used to be a Martha, bustling about to make sure everything was in perfect order for guests. However, since committing my life to the Lord, I’m a Mary who wants nothing more than to sit at His feet.

Since Jesus opened the eyes of my heart in 2001, my priorities have changed in other ways. Bible study, prayer and continual spiritual growth have become my goals. Serving Him wherever He calls me is my delight, whether it’s on a mission trip outside the country or in my own backyard. Being obedient to His calling is why I’m packing to move. Through fasting and prayer, I’ve learned to listen for that still, small voice showing me what steps to take in obedience.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

While we make plans for the day, the week, the month or even the year, Proverbs 16:9 tells us it is the Lord who directs our steps.

Before turning to the Lord, I was the poster child for control freaks. Each day of my life was planned on a to-do list. Crossing off each item before I went to bed at night meant I was in control. However, if we cling to control, how can we prepare for life’s storms?

Five hours after the sale of my house, I found myself huddled in a closet with my dog while sirens blared a warning. I was prepared. Then the tornado struck.