I was born without ear canals or ear drums. My inner ear is intact. I have struggled all my life via surgeries and conventional hearing aides to get sound into my inner ear. Bone anchored hearing aides are the most appropriate hearing aids for me.  However, health insurance does not cover that type of hearing aid and the cost can be prohibitive.

Until a year ago.

A year ago my husband located an affordable surgeon in England, and I became a medical tourist. I am very grateful to God and my hubby for my new hearing. As a result, I find myself wondering what I can do to show my gratefulness to God.  I also find myself wondering, as a person of a certain age (ahem!), what incredibly meaningful things I will do with my remaining years.

In February 2014 I was hired as a teacher’s aide. Once school let out for the summer, I had no work commitments. Questions such as “What will I DO this summer?” and “What will I DO with the rest of my life?” resounded in my mind.

With respect to the first question, God led me to many volunteer opportunities. I learned there are some wonderful, caring people just a phone call away at Ministry on the Margins, the Abused Adult Resource Center and Heavens Helpers Soup Café.

As for the second question, a friend and I participated in Becoming an Outdoors Woman, offered through North Dakota Game and Fish. After a full day of learning how to use a compass and how to fly fish, we mulled over that question of “what we will do with the rest of our lives?” into the wee hours of the night. I don’t know if she had any a-ha moments, but the comforting take-away for me was this:  I don't need to answer that question Right Now.

Shortly thereafter, I attended a Bible Study focused on Martha. You know, the hardworking follower of Jesus, the hostess-with-the-mostest who was working so hard to please Jesus and got frustrated with her sister who didn't help her. Jesus told her she didn't need to DO anything, just sit at His feet.

And right there is the answer to my questions.

I love how God speaks to me through His Word and His people.  He never lets me down.

What are your pressing questions? What answers do you sense from God?