Shyloh

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Almost to the airport, I can’t wait to see her. I wonder if I should have shaved… maybe I should have gotten a haircut… I wonder if this shirt looks stupid…Why am I so nervous… I’m not – just excited. Yeah that’s it. Did I take a shower this morning? Lord I pray this goes well…help. Touch Shyloh’s heart oh Lord, move her I pray.

It’s been several months since we’ve seen Shyloh. She’s 17 now and well, visiting Dad isn’t exactly at the top of her priority list. She’s got work and school and friends and that four letter word…boys.

It sure wasn’t on the agenda, but her plane will be landing soon...I hope these butterflies do too.
 Leaving Minnesota in the winter isn’t all that hard, what’s there to miss? Slipping on ice and getting stuck in the snow or low temps and high drifts – not so much. But family – yeah that’s the warmth a person can miss, even if it’s in the coldest of climates.

Shylohs’ visit is about more than escaping slippery roads and deep snow. She’s found herself sliding down life’s slippery slope about to be buried. Like the moment in the Garden when death entered mankind – her eyes have been opened to the harsh reality of life and she’s found it colder and deeper than any winter wind. So, before her heart froze solid she chose an escape. And now she’s almost here. Dear Jesus help.

What’s wrong with me? I used to think I knew exactly what to do, what to say. But now the only thing I’m really sure of is… I don’t know squat. Well, I know God is good and He loves me – I know that. And that’s about all.

We picked Shyloh up at Orlando International and had a pleasant ride home. She looks good…slightly sad, tired, but good.

Now, it’s 3:00 a.m. I should be sleeping, but oh well… Lord thanks for my daughter’s safe arrival. Let Your presence fill this place. You know how to reach, to heal… You love her more than I. She’s yours… I pray you’ll move her.


Today progressed in simplicity. No miracles lit the scene. Nothing profound crossed my lips. I hadn’t felt any inspiration; no great ideas, no fatherly advice or Godly examples penetrated my mind. Everything was normal – peaceful, plain… I was beginning to wonder if the Lord would to show up – if He heard my prayers, if He was going to bring light to my daughters night.

When children grow into adults the hurt in their hearts can’t be cured with a kiss a hug and a giggle. But the Lord moves in the silent night of His children. He is near to those who have a broken heart and rescues those whose spirits are crushed.


And with facebook as her manger she birthed these words:
 

“Shyloh Spurling December 15 at 10:48pm


If you asked me 2 years ago where i think i would be right now.. I definitly wouldn't have thought I'd be here with my dad.


but I am. I'm tending to surprise myself.. Honestly.. I think it's only right to say it all.. I've messed up a TON through the past few months.. I lost all my faith.. some amazing people in my life.. and the biggest one of them all is i lost myself..


I thought there was nothing left for me.. but WHAT was I thinking?? This world is so big.. for such a short life..


The Lord moved me today.. It's like a whole new world..I know who I am and what I want in life now.. It's amazing when you finally find yourself…”

The truth of God's love, of His existence is evidenced by our feeling lost when we drift away from Him and our knowing that we are found when we decide to return to Him.
 Welcome home Shyloh – I love you and I’m proud of you.

The greatest of presents is His presence ~ Immanuel; God with us.

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