provision and bounty

So Josh is a friend in Memphis that I have really come to appreciate. Both he and his wife. Though I doubt that I will every feel really close to either of them. I have felt loved. Josh is a fellow grad student and actually the other student in my lab. I have found that we make pretty good lab partners. Though life might be lacking in fun and laughter, it's comfortable and efficient, which is what I like my work area to be like. Josh and his wife Lindsay are also the couple who pick up strays and help them plug into fellowship. Almost every Thursday they host dinner and watching of the office. They both go to church where Lindsay's family is at and where she grew up. I now go to church where Josh grew up. I learned about and tried both through my connection with them. I have also been attending a woman's Bible study through their church, though it is often not the depth of the one that I attend through my church. I joined Lindsay's Bible study group because I was desperate for some fellowship and Bible discussion my second semester. This was when I was attending my church but not really plugged in yet. I often consider no longer attending this women's group, but I remain undecided.

As I have become more involved with my church and my Sunday school group, I have become less involved with the fellowship group of Josh and Lindsay. I'm branching off as is often expected. But I still deeply appreciate their friendship.

Monday, through Lindsay at Bible study, I find out that Josh is planning on leaving the program and becoming a teacher. And I can really see how that makes sense for him. But my initial reaction was "oh crap." I'm left all alone. Even though I don't talk to Josh a ton, he really is the only one I talk to during the day (though I do lunch w/ Kelly). But also, I am often intimidated with authority figures, even benign ones. And I like to have someone else to split their attention with. That way we can take turns been on the bottom of the totem pole. So that initially made me nervous. And then I felt a little annoyed that there was this big situation change right when I was feeling comfortable and excited with my church group.

And that's when I saw it. God's provision.

I have learned that I really need godly men in my life. And fellowship in my life. Lately, I have been so enjoying my church group, both the men and the women. And it is so dear and important to me. So I've realized that Josh and Lindsay formed a sort of interm fellowship for me. One that I needed until I got on my feet and involved.

As I shared in this in my Bible study tonight, one of the older women gave me this verse.

Jer 23:4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the Lord.

I hope that Josh never feels like these two last years were a waste. Because for me they weren't, and I am sure that both Danielle and Tyler would agree. I intend to tell Josh how his faithfulness has shown God's glory.

But I just want to praise God's timing and provision. I'm losing my interms after my feet have been established. And I am excited to run.