God only knows what I don’t know
/By 6:30 am today there had already been a bit of drama. I trusted - against my better judgment - a certain airline to get me from Tucson to Phoenix to Salt Lake.
This airline has canceled or delayed the Tucson to Phoenix flight many times in the past, but I thought “maybe this time will be different…”. My prayers yesterday and this morning were that all would be well. My daughter woke up at 4:45 to take me to the airport, and as we pulled up to the terminal, I got the dreaded flight cancellation notice.
Adapt and overcome.
But wait, I’d prayed for this flight to happen. I had faith. I felt at peace. Why wasn’t it going the way I had planned and wanted?!?
I got in an Uber for the drive to Phoenix at great cost but I really need to be in Salt Lake today to pick up a car to drive back to Tucson and everything hinges on this plan working!
I called the airline to make sure they were keeping a seat for me on the Phoenix to Salt Lake flight only to be told that flight was also just canceled.
I instructed the very patient Uber driver to take me home instead (poor lady just lost out on two really large fares) but then felt inspired to check an airline I haven’t flown for some time, and they had a seat leaving in 30 minutes. Quick change again back to the airport.
So now I’m going to end up arriving about the same time and for the same cost after I get refunded my original fare.
Life doesn’t always have the intended happy endings. My inconveniences this morning pale in comparison to what You and others are likely going through.
For example, two friends have recently lost their babies. One was alive for just over an hour. Their third child. The other friends are a young couple excited to start their family when their set of twins - who were on track for a healthy delivery - died suddenly before being born.
God only knows what we go through. He doesn’t always prevent bad things from happening, but His end goal is set - He loves You and wants a relationship with You and is looking forward to having You return to Him.
In little things - and big things - I have been able to find purpose in the suffering as well as pleasure after painful times and seasons of life.
During a very intense and painful period of life about two years ago, the inspiration came to me - “There is no crisis or panicking in Heaven.”
And this morning I was reminded to relax and take it easy. Things will work out - perhaps not always as intended or planned. God is full of surprises and as I’ve learned to let go and focus on finding joy in the journey instead of frustration when things don’t go my way, I have marveled to see how He makes things work out.
What next?
Where are You trying to control life instead of letting go and letting God take the wheel?
Who is suffering and needs a friend? If it is You, who does God have prepared to help lift You up?
By Pete, Writing Team