Today

Today my friend's husband leaves for a 6 month deployment to Afghanistan. He is Special Forces, so chances are, their ability to communicate will be very limited. She shared with me on Monday, as we sat together for prayer, that it is not the fact he will be in harm's way that breaks her heart. She settled that issue long ago with the Lord, understanding her husband's life is in God's hands. When it is his time to go, he will go, regardless of whether he is in a war zone, or sitting on the couch watching Sunday afternoon football. Instead, for her, the pain comes just thinking about the absence of his friendship. The late night conversations ... the laughing together ... the ability to feel close and connected, even when sitting in silence ... the sharing of the parenting.

It was hard for me to keep from busting into tears while talking with her! In fact, I have shed quite a few on behalf of their family. I know what they are going through! Living without Greg's daily input in my life and the life of our family was so hard. Like my friend, I asked the Lord early on in Greg's deployment to take away any fear I might have of losing him. He answered that prayer. I was able to sleep at night. The loneliness, however, was a daily struggle. I remember a time I was able to go shopping at the mall by myself. Normally, I would have relished that time of peace and quiet ... to try on a pair of pants without having to keep 3 children in line! But that particular day, the silence was defeaning. All I could think about was that I was shopping and enjoying a cup of coffee from Starbucks while my husband was in a life-threatening war zone. My shopping day was cut short.

Thankfuly, God was faithful. When I felt alone, He brought comfort. Through His Word (For I know the plans I have for you ... to give you a future and a HOPE ...). Through the kindness of an amazing church family. Through the encouragement of a DYNAMIC "inner circle" of friends and family who kept me afloat. Through my precious, and often hilarious, children. And through Greg's constant support and love from 9,000 miles away. (I got flowers and cards, phone calls and emails!!!)

Was it a difficult 15 months? YES. Do I want to do it again? NO. However, I learned amazing things about my God, and I am grateful for that. And, in spite of the distance, Greg and I were able to grow our marriage and learn new things about each other that made us -- as individuals, and as a couple -- stronger. It is a year I would not take back.

So, today, I am praying for peace, strength and courage for my new friends, the Steiningers. Would you say a prayer for them, too? Thanks!