Not more than a handful of days ago, I stood at the edge of my balcony and told God how grateful I was that everything in my life was going so, so good. After pondering the beauty of the canyon, the flittering birds, and the bounty of a beautiful San Diego summer, I came into the house and said to my husband, “I am just so thankful for our lives. I love our home and the sweetness of these ‘retired’ days. I honestly don’t think I have ever been happier in all of my life.”
It’s not that everything was or is perfect. Most certainly, we were still facing the seriousness of Dave’s declining health, and as usual, there are always the financial concerns of living on a very fixed income in one of the most expensive cities in the country. But somehow everything seemed to be under control. Doable. And just like that, the serenity of stability changed. Two big things gave reason for moods to plummet and fears to escalate.
Our conversations shifted from local and national news to the headlines under our own roof. It didn’t take long for the little word “if” to become a noticeable fire that could easily get out of control. In fierce determination, we began to negotiate ways and means to remedy the monumental concerns. At times, we’d find ourselves calming each other down. I walked away from the conversation, paced the short hallway, and glanced into the sweetest room in our home, my sanctuary. There, on the side table of the guestroom bed, sat my old, precious Bible, and I was immediately reminded of the most important step that I had overlooked! How could that have been? How could I not have thought to do this immediately? The minute I picked it up and held it in my hands, I began to see the white smoke billowing from the quenched flames. And just like that, my panic surrendered to peace. I knew exactly where to go and what to do.
In under a minute, I found my perch on the ottoman that is parked in front of my husband’s chair. When I sit there, he knows I’m insisting on his full and undivided attention. “We need to consult the Professional. Let’s see what the Lord has to say about all this.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (Living Paraphrased) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” That’s exactly what we did, and that’s exactly what happened.
While I was praying, I remembered the simple steps that my dear Dad had taught me. 1) Go to God. 2) Tell Him your needs. 3) Turn them over to Him. 4) Leave the results up to Him.
Here I am a few days after this fact, and there are no ashes to clean, only a perspective that promises a blessed resolve and an increase in our reasons to believe. For I know this too is true, “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” (Romans 8:28)
As I took my Bible back to its rightful place, I pulled a little piece of paper that had been tucked within the pages for years. It’s something my Dad wrote and left for me, and now, I give it to you.
His purposes shall ripen fast Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
Author Unknown
We all must live through the bitter buds of life. But there is not a shadow of doubt in my mind, when faith is embraced and directed toward the concerns, just like that, peace will most definitely prevail and the white smoke will rise.
