under the circumstances

the big question that people are asking is how are you doing? i could say that under the circumstances, we're doing pretty well. n is excelling academically and enjoying ballet. b is having fun at bcc, taking a 10-unit (!) english class and working out four days a week. m is beginning to meet with people for prayer and mutual encouragement. we have begun hosting prayer events for the church plant in renton, and people are beginning to commit to being a part of the work.

of course, all of that is happening in the midst of some difficult adjustments and unwelcome surprises. it's not being able to get a van registered or obtain a driver's license after sitting in the waiting room for half a day. it's trying to figure out transportation for the girls in this automobile-dominated area. it's discovering about $1700 of unexpected auto repairs -- in a week. it's having reimbursement checks held at the bank when large bills (mostly related to moving) are coming due. it's running into obstacles in starting the new church, from the expense of possible sites to the lack of key bits of information. this morning, it was taking a hard fall in the shower, and gimping around for the rest of the day with an ice pack on my back. i'll admit that i don't always handle the challenges with grace; for instance, i've been waking up earlier than i intend to, and can't get back to sleep.

that's why i'm tempted to say that we're doing well under the circumstances. but as the old joke says, what are we doing under there? as christians, we are invited to live above the circumstances. God doesn't promise that it will all go easily or comfortably -- only that we will still have victory in him.

we know
that God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called according to his purpose
romans 8:28

for your sake we are being put to death all day long;
we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
but in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer
through him who loved us
romans 8:36-37

i pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,
so that you will know what is the hope of his calling,
what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
toward us who believe.
ephesians 1:18-19