(It’s not all) about me

Welcome, friend. Thanks for dropping in. My name is Sondra Smith. I’m “GiGi” to six, “Mom” to three, and “Honey” to an exceptional dairyman. I’m also a writer and sojourner. I love to share my story because it’s not all about me. It’s about the amazing grace of a good God with a perfect plan.

My husband, Pete, and I live in the far North Country region of New York State. (Think: Canada.) We’ve been married since 1982. He often reminds me, “We didn’t do anything the easy way.” He’s right. God has been so gracious to keep us. 

We were young and ill-equipped for the challenges of marriage and parenting. Turns out that all of the hard work, heartaches, and headaches were worth it. Our children matured to adults we admire and respect. They graced us with grandchildren we adore. To think I was afraid of growing old and becoming a GiGi! I never dreamed this season would be the sweetest of all. 

I write with simple sincerity about my faith to encourage you in your own. My faith is not a unicorn kisses and magic wishes sort of thing. It’s a rock-solid belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is El Shaddai, mighty and sufficient. The God of Angel Armies, my protector and defender. El-Roi, who sees me. Jehovah Jireh, my provider. Jehovah-Shalom, my peace. Jehovah-Rapha, my healer. He is my Redeemer and Deliverer; my Comforter and Friend. 

These names are personal to me because God is real to me. We’re on a first-name basis out of necessity. For example, within a few weeks in 2018, Pete and I ricocheted from unanticipated job loss (mine) to devastating facility fire (his). The rebuilding years to follow tested every ounce of our strength and resolve. I absorbed too much of the stress and developed a painful autoimmune disease. We were not yet back on our feet when the vile COVID-19 surfaced. Then the extended dairy industry slump became a free-fall.

My (our) challenges would be impossible if not for God. Each and every time I’ve called out to Him, He’s showed up. My faith-anchor holds against the Rock of Ages. God is an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).  

In the midst of this most recent mess, at the height of my anxiety, I had a revelation. God was calling me to rest. To listen more and talk less. To focus each day on one thing, whatever He put before me. Nothing more; nothing less. I stopped trying to figure things out on my own. I ceased striving to fix things. 

Only then, calendar empty and agenda clear, did I discern the way forward.

This world is broken beyond repair, my friend. But God is good. He is able. His promises do not fail. You can trust Him. I hope you do.

Sincerely,
Sondra

July 2020 / Updated April 2024

P.S. Those silly photos were taken on St. Pierre & Miquelon, a remote Atlantic outpost and French territory. Among the many things I love about my husband, one is the way he makes me laugh. As you can see, we don’t take ourselves too seriously!