I Missed Summer '08

The leaves on our crepe myrtle trees are beginning to turn orange and yellow. Suddenly I noticed that our trees are beginning to take on a pale green look. Their color is completely different from what I noticed in the early Spring. Just the last day or so I have realized I missed Summer ’08. How did that happen?

I am reminded of Mrs. Loretta LaRouche’s words in her book, Life is Short, Wear Your Party Pants. She said, “If we don't live our lives now, to the fullest, when in the world will we have a chance? If we don't pay attention to the little wonders of life right this second, when will we be able to?" I had not answered that question for myself, so now all I can do is think back on the months between March and the present. I wished I had handled life a little differently. Troubles and stress stole time from me.

Our family is close, so when one of us has a problem, empathy goes into high gear. I want the problem resolved immediately, if at all possible. But this time, God allowed the problem to linger almost six months. I questioned why my prayers didn’t work. God was not answering. I did not understand what was happening. My faith had come up against a strong test.

Slowly our son’s problem has resolved. Would you believe God stayed true to His Word?! He answered prayer. It just wasn’t on my time table. In the process, my  faith has grown. My relationship with God has become stronger. I believe more deeply that He never fails.  I learned that if He allows us to stay longer than we think is necessary in a problem, it’s because He wants us to learn from it. It’s up to us to take Him at His word.

The Bible tells us God loved us so much that He gave His son. I have concluded, too,  God loves us so much that He gives us our independence. Think about that. Because He loves us, He does not force His ways on us. In my situation I had a choice of whether or not I would totally place our problems in His hand. I chose to do it  my way, fretting and fussing all the while. I had been down that road before. I thought I had learned that lesson! Evidently there was still a corner of my life tucked away somewhere in the recesses of my mind that needed cleaning out, so back into the “classroom” I went. My choice of not fully relying on God cost me the summer.  Incidentally, there is always a cost to pay when we do things our way.  

How about you?  Is there a problem in your life? God knows all about you and cares more about you than anyone you can name. There’s a reason why you are on planet Earth and there is a reason why you are going through your circumstances right now. Instead of praying, "God please change my circumstances", pray "God please change ME".  In that change, we learn to trust.  We learn patience. We began to understand God's love and watch care over us, no matter what the circumstances. Circumstances will always be a part of life. The way we handle them is the key.  

Food for thought:
If God  is not directing your life, why not make a choice to let Him lead you. If  you don’t choose Him, there is some thing or someone leading you through life. Is that thing or that person worth your allegiance? Don’t take a chance! For more information see Faith Check under The Sanctuary.
 

 "Life is lived in the present.  Yesterday is gone. 
Tomorrow is yet to be. 
Today is the miracle."
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