Slowly but surely

I woke up this morning thinking about the women's retreat that I am keynoting in 10 days.  It has been on my mind for the last few days and now I wake up with ideas for my talk and a song in my head.  And I know that slowly but surely it is coming together.

Last night Kerry called me.  We are doing a workshop together at the retreat and she came over and in an hour's time we had it put together and outlined.  Monday Wendy and I had breakfast and we talked through both the icebreaker games, the Friday night dances and our drama for Sunday.  And today Marsha and I will work out her "Making Mandala" workshop.  Slowly but surely it is coming together.

At the same time we are living with Brian and watching as slowly but surely his life is coming together.  He has found resources and - amazingly - most of them have been close to home so that he can ride his bike or drive.  He is in counseling and has found a job training resource.  He is finding people to help him to apply for assistance in various ways.  Slowly but surely I see changes in him and know that God's healing is happening.

Sunday morning I preached in Lima a sermon about following Jesus and it really is taking the risk of the God dependent life.  For me, that becomes something more than just words when I find myself in situations that are beyond my ability and really have to trust God.  And that is how it is for me these days.  And what happens is that I find myself on a morning like this in awe and I see the glimpses of the spirit at work - bringing me (and Brian) people to help and guidance at sometimes hard and confusing times.

The women;'s retreat is about "Spiritual Friendship" and I really think those are the people that God sends our way to support, guide and love us in life.  I am grateful for all the people who help me to "Keep smiling, keep shining".
This is the song that came to me this morning.

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well, you came in loving me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way
I thank you

Oh and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
The words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember

Keep smiling and keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what…