Ever feel that way? I'm sitting here typing with an uncooperative computer doing what I should have completed an hour or so ago and feeling frustrated. I haven't begun to swear so that's a positive. I'll try to keep from doing that. I hit my left little finger with the hammer a couple of days ago and am now very aware how many words contain the letter "a" that require that fingers functioning. So, a couple of Aleve later I'm doing better. Then, the sun came up revealing that no less than 100 (exaggeration) moles have moved into my front and rear yards. The neighbors don't have any because their moles all migrated to the family reunion in my yard. You didn't know that moles are related, did you? Not to belabor the point but my coffee machine seemed to pick today to spew coffee all over the counter instead of into my accurately placed cup. I'm not sure which is more irritating the spilled coffee or having to clean it up. Finally, (then my complaining will be done for the day) I am so sore! Pruned 3 large trees and hauled away the debris yesterday. THOUGHT I was in fairly good shape! Not!
I know that all things work for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Knowing this doesn't always help. The greater the challenge the less we tend to believe that particular promise. When we find we have a particular stake in what is happening the intensity scale goes u. For instance, you get into your car to go to work and the gas gauge shows empty. You have to get to work and haven't allocated the extra 15 minutes that is needed to fill he tank. The feeling of pressure builds but doesn't sway your faith. At least you have a gas station nearby and won't have to wait for an hour for AAA to send a tow truck with 2 gallons of gas. You breath a bit easier as you think about the situation and know your boss is going to be gone today. Okay, slowing down is a good thing and God provided for that need. You are about to go into a very important meeting when the school calls and your 14 year old son has been hit by another boy, has a cut above his eye and needs to go to the doctor for stitches. HOW in God's name is this meant to be good? You find someone to step into the meeting for you, get in your car (and are glad you have a full tank of gas), and go to pick up your son. He is in the office with his best (new) shirt covered in blood. He has a wad of gauze on his eye. When you get in the car and begin to question him; he says nothing. So, you arrive at the doctors office, get the stitches (you only had to wait an hour and a half), and get on the road back home. The wait gave you time to read a Readers Digest article talking about 14 year old sons and their need to make a stand and find themselves. You find out (he's finally talking) that the other guy had said something terrible about you. Suddenly the inconvenience at work, the bloody shirt and the irritation of his not talking earlier are of little consequence.
Quite the day until you learn from a phone call that your mom has been diagnosed with late stage cancer. She comes over to your house only to discover your son's injuries and she ministers to him the way only a grandmother can. IF you hadn't needed gas, IF your boss hadn't been gone, IF you hadn't a co-worker to take your place, IF you hadn't had time at the doctors office to read, IF you hadn't the presence to listen to your son, IF you weren't off work at home when your mother called. IF. But life isn't built on IF's. Life is built in that phrase, "all things work together for good." We don't need to like "all things" but we do need to know that they work for good even when we can't see the good. Today, think of how the things that take place in your life could possibly benefit you instead of how they could potentially impinge on your life. You might be surprised.
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