OK, so I know that everyone sometime in their life has felt like this. Like what? Glad you asked! Prepared. Prepared for a certain task, event or circumstance. You get everything packed for a journey off of a painstaking detailed list you made months in advance. Suitcase is closed, car is on, everyone’s in it, and then there’s a freak ice storm or someone gets sick, or your luggage is lost…something, something that was unexpected and unforeseen. What do you do? How do act?
Me? I got frustrated, tired, and an ulcer…or some kind of stomach issue. I thought I was mentally and spiritually prepared for Barrett’s Nimitz adventure for 2 and ½ weeks. We both gave each other daily things for encouragement, I had a list of things I wanted to do, and I was excited to sleep with the window open!
Phew! I found the ugly poor me attitude welling up along with the tired tyrannical tears. Man, Im so thankful for people and the Word that speaks into my life. God is sovereign, this didn’t catch Him by surprise. Really, as a sinner that deserves only hell, the grace He gives me with every breath and blink should bring me boundless joy. This world doesn’t promise perfection in plans and I can choose to be pitiful or rest in God’s perfect promises. He is the one that comforts with His Psalms, that hears my cries and reminds me of the pain of giving His only Son. He is the one that fulfills my needs and trying to put Barrett, friends, or family in instead shows the emptiness of the idol. Hard lesson. Good lesson!
Then the unexpected happens: Car won’t start: new alternator and right sized battery. Start a new tutoring job: made a kid cry. Thought I’d catch up with friends and family: found lots of hurting people, breaking my heart. Tub water won’t go down: 4 hours later the plumber calls in help and says our pipes won’t last long. Come home late on a cold night: Betsy tells me the furnace is broke. Got someone to watch Betsy while we go to CO: cancels days before we leave. Something hysterical happens: don’t have anyone to tell it too. Something sad happens: my main source of counsel doesn’t have a phone.
So, Barrett lands in an hour and God’s gift to me can hear my stories face to face and we can laugh, joke, and encourage each other from the character building and God knowing lessons that our loving Father has given us. Tis the season!!