Practicing what I preach
by Rosemary ~ April 24th, 2007What was I thinking and writing about yesterday? Humility and contentment in whatever happens, knowing that it is from the hand of God? No complaining?
Ha! Time to practice what I preach. If you’ve listened to the news today, you know that our little part of Colorado is having a really nasty snow storm. Our electricity has been off most of the day so far, meaning no heat or running water (we have well water that has to be pumped). Phone and internet service is dicey. We get little flickers and then a few minutes’ worth of electricity, which is why I’m able to type this. Roads are mostly impassable. Jack-knifed semi trucks are bringing the interstate to a standstill.
And we have 14 clients on their way, trying to get here for eight days of counseling and teaching. Some arrived in town yesterday but are staying at hotels tonight and trying to get here tomorrow. In other words, things are pretty messy and inconvenient and for everyone.
This is one of those pesky, frustrating times when I wonder why God chose this particular time to dump snow on us. It’s going to push people who are already at their wit’s end due to the circumstances of their lives to a greater degree of frustration. For us, communicating and operating are more difficult. I’m tempted to complain, and am ashamed to say that I’ve been annoyed at the inconvenience. All in all, it’s a good opportunity to further learn what it means keep our hearts and our minds on the goodness of God, knowing that nothing he does is a whim or happenstance. This serves to prove to us what’s in our hearts. He knows that already, but when I take note of how I’m responding it’s all to obvious that I don’t trust him as I should and want to.
Oswald Chambers was right. God always gives us ample opportunity to put into practice the thing he has impressed upon our hearts. We’re not to squander it; we’re to move forward in obedience. As I write this, it actually kind of tickles me to think of what God is doing and what his intent is in this whole mess. That he is at work in us is the most amazing thing I can think of!
Ha! The electricity held out long enough to let me finish this!
April 24th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Oh, man! I hope the heat is on and everything is getting back to normal for you guys. We’ll be praying for the group coming in and that this “glitch” may not take away from what their hearts are needing right now.
April 24th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I’m glad God gave you the time to get that all typed! I will be praying that God uses these trying circumstances even in your clients hearts and that they all get there in time and safely. God is all powerful and as you said he has a wonderful plan in all of this. I am glad he continues to refine us. Hang in there and watch our master work one of His masterpieces.
April 27th, 2007 at 8:57 am
“it’s a good opportunity to further learn what it means keep our hearts and our minds on the goodness of God” A lesson I must learn over and over and over…you are so right, it is indeed amazing to consider that He is at work in us!