I bet you were saying after reading the first part of “crazy nights” big deal, so what you got stuck. Exactly, that’s exactly my point. 99.45234% of the time what we find to be bad news or horrible events, is just life being lived. Do you realize most of Russia is still without natural gas meaning no heat, there freezing to death! When was the last time you thanked God for things you get every day, food water shelter, internet use, friends, family, LIFE. I don’t mean a quick memorized verse you recite before a meal I mean get on your knees and try to comprehend the love God gave us. As for the other .65ect % those are the serous time, when you need God the most. If you have lost a love one, then I am really sorry for your lost, don't think I don't think that's tragic. Nevertheless take comfort in the fact they are in a better place, they are in God's hands, and it is foolish to morn for them, but it's not foolish to morn for their lost. Pray for the strength to get past it, and people to help you though it, and God will answer in the best way. Perhaps the best way is for someone to come to you or maybe you have to ask for someone else's help. I do not know but make sure you are listing to His response.
Back to the story I resorted to doing the get unstuck yourself tricks every man-law holding Men has. All these trick came up with no results, frustrated and a little embarrassed I got stuck in such a small ditch I resorted to the phoning of friends. Before I go on just for everyone's knowledge my four wheel drive was broken. James was the first of my friends to answer the call, kinda reminded me of that country song ...find out who your friends are...stuck out in the middle nowhere... something like that. Anyways he found us (somehow we weren't to the road yet) and brought a towing device. thinking my troubles were soon to be over, only to have them crashed when his car almost got stuck, because of the misleading "dry" ground. James unwilling to try again in the good reason of getting both are cars stuck, we had to find a person with four well drive. Lane pacifically spoke, "what are the requirements for who comes" the quotes are unneeded, cuz that's not verbatim. Answering "anyone with for wheel drive, because we already have the rope." (again not exact) This goes on for a little with the end product, being Emily (Lane's best friend mentioned before) would come and help if lane jogged that night with Lane. Lane agrees and Emily comes and helps out. After much difficulty we as a collective group finally got unstuck. Rejoice right? Wrong, my car got stuck again seconds later. Avoiding maintains, skip to the part where part of my car just fell off the bottom of my car just feet away from the pavement. Getting out a little aggravated I slam the metal rode in the back seat. Reaching the road I see James and the girls claiming over the last meadow. Telling about my most recent misfortune, we laugh and reminisce of time past.
Time winding down we all get ready to leave. I reach for my phone to get Emily's # I find it's not there. Thinking it's in my car everyone leaves "job well done"(who said that why is it quoted). Getting back to my car I search frantically for my phone, only to find lose change and lent. Lane and I search the car again, she is calling my phone and everything. Then we take the search to the dreaded puddle(where I got stuck). Still no luck I am phoneless, I think how much easier phones make life and, how this is a great way to end my night I smile in pure annoyance too annoyed to even yell or get upset. Leaving this now hated spot I hear my phone ringing Lane called it that one last time because... I don't know.
Holding my thought to be lost link to civilization, I realized we sometimes don't appreciate what we have till it's too late. If I never lost my phone, I would not have been so glad to hear it. It might have even added to the aggravation. I know you hear this all the time but sometimes it takes small events to make you realize what you know, be grateful for what you have. Don't take it for granted next time you step in to your warm house, or eat a nice meal, or even hug another human being, it is all the work of God. When I got home that night I found my now eldest dog is not feeling well, I find this as a clue to make the best of what could be her last days on this earth. [ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27] You know what I did that night before going to bed I thanked God for the mishaps that happen that day. I felt like it helped me in my walk and that's worth all the suffering in the world, so I feel blessed I got off so easy just a little frustration, getting dirty some clothes, and a few other miner things. All in all life is always great with God!
Let me gather my thoughts here. I know I would have cried if all of this had happened to me, probably been on the ground somewhere near the puddle in a puddle crying a puddle...HOWEVER, once I got things in perspective I would hope I would have the grace under pressure that you showed (sounds like Lane had it, too). James 1:2 "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows it's true colors. So do not try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do it's work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way." I cannot think of any other word than "proud" when I read of how you are growing in your walk with Christ. I appreciate you sharing it with those of us who need to be reminded.
ReplyDeleteI am counting on the dinner date with our family....any night except Monday... Lane says your favorite food is buffalo wings but I am thinking that is HER favorite.