I sat in the quietness this morning, thinking back over the past few days. Taking time to sit and reflect on happenings gave me a different perspective on things that were extremely frustrating as they happened. Then I opened a devotional book, Streams In The Desert, I had purchased after my Mom's death. I bought it because it had been my mother's favorite. I turned to the appropriate day and here is what I read:
"I once saw a man draw some black dots on a piece of paper. I looked at it and yet saw nothing but an irregular arrangement of dots. Then he drew a few lines, put in a few rests, and added a treble clef at the beginning. Suddenly I realized that the dots were musical notes, and as I began to sound them out, I was singing a familiar song."
The author goes on to say, "Each of us has many black dots or spots in our life, and we cannot understand why they are there or why God permitted them. But when we allow Him into our life to adjust the dots in the proper way, to draw the lines He desires, and to put rests at the proper places to separate us from certain things, then from the black dots and spots He will compose a glorious harmony. So let us not hinder Him in His work!"
Coincidence that I read that on the morning I needed it? I think not! That is how God works! He is so willing to take care of us, to guide us and work circumstances to our good, if we can only recognize what's happening. It's hard to see the outcome of a situation in the middle of what seems a catastrophe. This is where faith comes in, faith to claim the verse, "All things work together for good to those that love the Lord."*
It brings a smile to my face when people think I am missing out on life by being a Christian, (the term Christian is used loosely by those who don't know what it means). In turn, I feel sorry for those who don't have a place to go when life turns upside down with traumatic family, financial or health problems that seem to have no answer. Even Christians strive with life until once again they are brought to a place that is calming and sweet. That place is in the presence of the One who connects the dots and makes life worth living.
I still have days when I miss my son who passed away, leaving two small children and a wife. My heart hurts when I see Austin and Savannah and I know their Dad will never fish with them again. He will never kneel and say a prayer with them again. I cry because I'm human and I just miss Russ and I want to hear his voice. But down deep, I trust the Universe Maker. He has a plan. He is adding lines and making music, music I don't hear some days. But the melody is there. Some days I hear it loud and clear because I know life is not just a crazy, hurting, chaotic mess. There is a plan and someday we will see things clearly.
For now, like each of us in this life, I have been given an assignment, that being to choose who I will follow as I live each day. I've made my choice. Now I have to make sure I spend more time listening for the music.
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Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands. ~Elisabeth Elliot~
