by Lynn Durham, www.lynndurham.com
One winter morning I got up to go to a board meeting of a statewide non-profit. I live in the Seacoast area on the east side of New Hampshire and the meeting was at another director’s organization on the west side of the state. The roads were a little snowy, so I left extra early, building in time for delays.
When I walked into my colleague’s office she looked at me in surprise and said, “You’re not here for the board meeting are you?” (That was a clue.) I responded, “I thought I was.” She told me the meeting had been cancelled because of the weather. She asked, “Didn’t anyone call?” They had, but since I had the longest drive, the call came after I had left the house. I found it when I checked my messages later.
Would you be angry?…or frustrated? (that is angry by the way.)
It’s your choice. You can be mad, or you can be happy, either way the meeting was cancelled.
I have been given many lessons in surrender and trust. So my first thought was, “I wonder why I drove all the way over here?” I really believed there must have been some reason. Anyway, I was offered tea and a tour of their facility, it seemed like an interesting thing to do, so I accepted. I was introduced to the training director who gave me the tour. As we walked, she explained about her organization and asked me about what I do.
Less than three months later, I had given three programs there for staff members, and the public.
I guess that must have been the reason I drove over there. What would have happened if I had gotten angry and left mad? Sometimes God has other plans for us, better plans, but we must be willing to walk in the wonder and wait for the blessings to be revealed.
I remember a friend telling me “plans are like clouds, constantly moving and changing.” When we try too hard to hang on to the way we decided things “should be,” it many times causes us pain. Once something already is, and there is nothing we can do to make it different, what is our best choice?
Life is constantly giving us opportunities to go deeper in our spiritual practices.
Maybe our best choice here is to ask ourselves some questions: OK God, what do you want from me here? Is there something you want me to learn? To do? To say? To whom? Are you teaching me to be grateful in all circumstances? Are you asking me if I trust you? (Do I trust you?) Do you really want me to bless this? Can I learn to give praise and thanksgiving in all things? (Can I? Everything?) Am I willing to surrender to your will?
It’s easy when everything goes the way we planned. When it doesn’t, then comes the real test. What circumstance in your life has challenged you? What grade would you get for this marking period? How can you improve your grade and your score in effort? Can we ask our children to do more than we are willing to attempt? The subjects may change but the learning continues. Can you step into the wonder?
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Hold onto that thought, you can do it!
Lynn Durham, Well Being Coach 603-926-9700