Shannon R. Hess

I was born into a traveling life, my dad was in the Unites States Army and we moved around since my birth until I was 11- then we came home to Illinois, to my grandmas and family(happy heart day for me)- but I never stopped moving around the area. I have always had an intense need for one home. I always wanted to be that one home that didn’t change much for all the children in my life. The stable one, the soft place to land and the home all roads will lead you back to. But God has a different plan for my life it would seem. He has been teaching me how to carry home inside me- still offering others a soft place up land or a way to get fed. While remembering this is all temporary, and my home is in heaven with Him.

But I’m not going to pretend that’s totally okay with me all the time – – except the heaven part, Can’t wait for that day! For now I still have days I grieve my earthly plan. Thankful for His grace on those days.

Since I’ve been home from our recent mission trip to India(more on that to come). I’ve had several people ask me “what now” – it makes me cringe almost to be honest. So many amazing things happened on this trip, in my heart and right before my eyes. I am still processing it all to be honest. I love the quote – ” Traveling leaves you speechless, then it makes you a storyteller. ” it is true.

But I’m more of a natural storyteller than a traveler for sure.

Right now this planner doesn’t know exactly what’s next, I do know God is good and He is faithful and He already knows so I don’t need to worry – and most importantly He knows me better than I know myself. So I’m sure when “what now” becomes clear I’ll be joyful.

I knew coming home from this trip the dynamics of my heart, my life and my home would change in many ways. My oldest son joined the United States Army, and leaves in two short months. I’ve gone from a being soldier’s daughter to a soldier’s mother over night it seems – where does the time go? My only daughter is in her senior year, and my baby boy in his junior year. So a lot of our days are filled with “what now” questions and dreams and conversations.

I’ve had to remind myself more than once my children are God’s children first and He knows them deeply and has a better plan than I do.- preaching to myself there-

But it’s hard some days.

and that is okay.

Someone needs to read those words today- it’s okay to have hard days. Just don’t stay there- don’t wallow – don’t complain over and over- don’t become bitter or negative –

Submit all those urges to the Lord- then stand back and watch Him make beauty from the ashes!

Every time❤️

Today I pray you do just that- you take all thoughts captive and you speak life to your own heart don’t wait for someone else to do it- speak life and love and purpose and hope into your bones- then get up and go with a joyful heart. You can do it!

In Jesus name I pray – amen

Love you all- shannon

Ps- pray for me❤️ I have a feeling being a soldier’s mom is going to tougher than a soldier’s daughter.