A few posts ago I shared one crazy day and talked about rising above chaos. Two or three days after my chaos filled day God granted me a different lens to look through.
The Day Chaos Reigned
The day when chaos reigned was a Wednesday. Abba showed me a different way to view that day on Friday or Saturday. I was perplexed by the way the misfortune of my truck not wanting to start while at the local convenience store threw my whole day off. I allowed that early morning disruption to work its way into how I lived and moved for the rest of the day.
I harbored resentment at my “bad luck”. Where resentment takes up home and is given a place to live there will be no joy. I allowed the chaos of my morning to steal the joy of my life.
Out of the Quiet, the Spirit speaks
Sitting at home, in the quiet of my study, Abba began to speak.
Dan, two weeks ago you were on retreat at the Jesuit Center. Imagine how much chaos would have been introduced into your life if your fuel pump had failed there.
Dan, two weeks from now you are going to attend the Nehemiah Network annual retreat. You will be close to two hours away from home. Imagine how difficult it would have been if your fuel pump had failed while on that trip.
Dan, your fuel pump failed in the parking lot of a convenience store five miles away from your mechanic. Your truck eventually started so you were able to drive to the garage, no need for a tow.
Sitting in Silence
I sat in silence.
I sat in silence, frustrated with the way I had moved and lived out that day. There was no escaping it, I had given resentment a foothold in my life and a foothold is all resentment needs to take root. Once it takes root it grows quickly, like one of those invasive vines you see along the side of the road. It grows stronger, deeper, taking over everything until we are robbed of joy.
Glad for the Grace
I am fifty years old. I am hopeful that at some point I will learn how to avoid pitfalls like this one. Until then I am glad for the grace and love of Abba who gently reminds me of how blessed I truly am. Joy restored I can truly say, “I am glad the fuel filter on my truck decided to break at Landhope.”
May God grant you eyes, hearts, and spirits filled with Joy!
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