Day Two Thousand and Twenty

The Strange - yet Fruitful - Spring

 

Faithfully by her Daddy's side, no matter what. 

 

We've got a lot going on right now. And in the midst of all the unknown, all the frustration, all the questions, and all the waiting, watching Amelia look to her Dada brings me a special peace that I'm especially grateful for.

 

Adam pitched three innings last night and then threw two more "semi-simulated" innings from the bullpen. It was a piggy back start, so he pitched the fifth inning through the seventh to get his work in. He's been working hard this spring to right his mechanics and to focus on things that he wouldn't normally be able to during season, but last night, he just picked up the ball and threw it; his goal just on getting outs and nothing more. It went well - three scoreless innings. No walks. 3 hits. 40-something pitches. An improvement overall as we head into season. Apparently, he's competing right now for the fifth starter's spot. 

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Adam and I have been studying James 1 this past week, which the Lord so graciously brought us to during this specific time in our lives. We didn't know beforehand how this week would unfold - or even what James 1 was specifically about - but because we were obedient to open His word, we've been so encouraged, so stirred up, and far more able to confront our trials with a right perspective. Well, at least a better perspective. If I'm completely honest, I'm prone to immediate pride and self-defense when I'm feeling attacked or doubted or wronged. But the Lord is refining me and bringing me quicker acknowledgement of my sin - by his mercy - and I'm growing in dependence upon him because of it. Doesn't make it easy. But it brings hope. Praise God.

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various [fn]trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [fn]endurance.

4 And let [fn]endurance have its perfect [fn]result, so that you may be [fn]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and [fn]without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. -James 1:2-6