This is one in a series of daily posts I conceived of writing many weeks ago while the election still raged on, as I looked for something to write about of more lasting value. The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving seemed perfectly appropriate for it. Just in case you wondered, the topics introduced are not necessarily in any particular order. I hope the series is of some small encouragement to you, even as my site traffic takes a dive.
It’s only fitting that I wasn’t planning to write this one at all, much less for this weekend. But then, Friday afternoon I wasn’t planning for a failed fuel pump and fuel gauge to bring my car to a halt on the way home from work yesterday, nor for the mechanic’s tab that followed. Not easy to be thankful amid such circumstances, even insofar as God graciously used them to chastise my own selfish and impatient attitude.
But then, ironically, it was while I sat stranded in my car and waited for the tow truck to arrive that I received word the Denver Post was printing my op-ed. (Not that publication entailed any of the funds needed to pay for repairs, but it was a nice treat nonetheless.)
On the same day our oldest child came down with an infection – easily treatable, thankfully (see What I’m Thankful For #3). Then again, the whole past month or so has been about the need to re-evaluate and adjust some priorities in my life.
Brought to my mind this weekend has been what Job said to his wife when faced with circumstances vastly more dire and difficult than mine own: “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10)
It is often said that “Life changes our plans.” More accurately, and more reassuringly, it should be “God changes our plans.” The challenge is to see that He does so for our own good, to build Christ-like character in His children. All that of course is a matter of faith, though I have seen nothing from God but faithfulness to His promises. Whether they come as surprises to us or not, it’s something for which we can strive to be thankful.
May I add that I am thankful (and I am sure you are too) that the lovely Mrs. Virtus is not like Job’s wife. She would never tell you to “curse God and die.”