Getting Ready

From the very day Jordan leaves on a deployment I put so much of my daily energy into preparing for his return.  I dearly and deeply love my husband.  I love him more than I could ever imagine.  So, it only seems natural that I would work so diligently at preparing for his return home.  As I was nudged to write this blog (explanation forthcoming) I took the time to examine all that I actually do to make sure things are in order for his return.
1.  Our home:  I take the time to do all the home renovations I have been meaning to do but hate wasting time doing while he's actually here.  I paint, repaint, refinish, steam carpets and furniture, wash walls, clean out closets and cabinets, start and finish yard projects, etc.  As the time gets even closer to his return I really start scrubbing and freshening up everything.  I want our home to be more than perfect for his first steps back into it.
2.  Our finances:  I am sure to keep on the budget we've agreed upon as to not cause unnecessary strife while he's gone.  I want my husband to know that I can be a good steward of our funds whether or not he's here.
3.  My physical appearance:  I work hard to keep my body in the same shape, if not better shape, for his return.  I continue to eat healthy and stay active so that he continues to find me visually appealing.  It's also important so I can remain  healthy and keep up with our active life style and set a good example for our children.
4.  My mind:  I continue to research and read up on all the topics that interest me and even some that don't.  I diligently study articles and books pertaining to health, parenting, personal growth, and marriage.  I also enjoy reading articles pertaining to my profession (that maybe someday I'll actually return to!).
5.  My heart and my marriage:  I work hard to seek God to fill my heart while Jordan's gone.  It is completely unfair of me to expect him to fill me when he is on a deployment.  While he tries his best and does so quite well, let's just face it:  When your husband is thousands of miles away for six months at a shot, you need an alternative.  I daily ask God to continue to sustain me with His presence during Jordan's absence.  I regularly pray that I have the strength I need to overcome any temptation or obstacle that could harm our marriage.  I'll say it again.  I absolutely adore Jordan.  My eyes and heart are only for him.  I can't even imagine doing anything that would harm him or our marriage.  But, I am human and therefore am weak ("Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt. 26:41).  Who am I to think that our marriage is the exception without the help of God.  I have seen so many marriages fail.  Marriages that I thought never would.  Christian marriages.  May God have mercy on me if I think I am better than anyone else ("The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.  Pride goes before destruction..." Prov. 16:17-18)
6.  Our children:  I try my best to be momma and daddy while Jordan is away.  I try my best to love them extra and do extra fun things with them.  I speak of him regularly and as a family we pray for him daily.  It is very important for our children to understand AND appreciate the sacrifices that Jordan makes for all the children of the United States, not just his six.

So, where does the nudge come into play?  After a few discussions about Jesus' return and being ready at every moment, God (for once) spoke quietly and tenderly to me and asked me, "Why don't you prepare for Me like you do for Jordan?"  To be completely honest, this took me by surprise.  I had to sit on it for quite a few days.  First, God rarely speaks to me quietly.  In our relationship (as stated in a previous blog) He's in the fashion of whopping me upside the head.  Secondly, I thought working diligently to prepare for Jordan was a good thing, not a bad thing.  Lastly, I thought I was preparing for Christ's return well.

After seeking answers, here is what I have concluded:
1.  Maybe I'm actually growing.  I can listen to the still small voice (as I have been praying to be able to do) without needing to learn all my lessons the hard way.

"He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise."

Proverbs 15:31

2.  Preparing for Jordan's return IS good.  All the things I am doing only help our home, our family, and our marriage.  But, it cannot consume me.  

"She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm"  Proverbs 31:17 AMP

3.  We've NEVER done preparing for Christ's return.  We can always do more, do better, reach more, and love more.  I need to rein my energy into preparing myself for His return more than I need to prepare for anything else.  I need love God and love others with a passion that is seen by all.  I need to be a light in this dark world - all the time, every day, every moment.

"For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will."  Matthew 24:44