A slight struggle broke out in the middle of the store between me and the 20-lb. frozen turkey I was trying to place into my grocery cart. It made me laugh out loud then I couldn’t wipe the ear to ear smile off my face. The thought of the aroma of that turkey, and the laughter of family soon to fill my home, made me feel incredibly happy. Me and that turkey had a moment right there in the store. Every person passing by smiled at me as if my smile had become as contagious as a yawn. Thanksgiving was coming and so was my family – so I thought.
Several days later, I received a text that my granddaughter had fallen ill. It was starting to look like they wouldn’t be able to make it home for Thanksgiving. The news became a wet blanket that instantly replaced my anticipation with overwhelming disappointment.
I looked beyond my emotions and told God, “Lord, your ways are always greater than my own. Yes, I’m disappointed but I trust You in this!”
I chose to respond with an attitude of gratefulness and trust in His good.
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The following morning, we received the news, Naomi was feeling better and they would make it in time for Thanksgiving dinner after all.
As we prepared the last-minute details of placing the meal upon the table, once again I was overwhelmed with the happiness of a home full of so many people we love. Somehow, the scare of losing this experience made me appreciate it even more.
Are you facing overwhelming emotions over your current circumstances? Have you told God you trust Him? Are you lining up your thoughts with the truth of His Word? Take a moment now to ask Him to give you a perspective to look beyond your current situation and a heart to trust Him and His ways.
Copyright©2017, Gloria Stucky
Photo by Ruth Caron on Unsplash