I plop down beside
my daughter one day as she thumbs through pages of pictures. She loves to reminisce and inquires about
past characteristics of each family member.
As she gathers all the info, she then relays that to her babies and acts
out different scenes of our past. Good
or bad scenarios. . .she does not care.
The memories enhance her imagination as she cares for her babies
daily.
This particular
day, she desired to learn about her life as a baby. So, I sent her to our scrapbook shelf to pick
up the one containing pictures of my pregnancy and up until her first
birthday. After that, I retired from
scrap booking and allowed Wal-Mart to take over. As she flipped each page, I began to think
about the various roles I played throughout my thirty years. It seems with each season, God placed me in a
role which suited perfectly. He provided
strength, endurance and ability to complete whichever task or role appeared. My daughter asked numerous questions with
each picture. She viewed them with many emotions. Anger arose when a picture appeared with her
brother participating in a fun activity without her (I was pregnant);
excitement came when a picture showed her nine (well eight) month residence;
laughter sounded when a picture showed a family member being silly; and peace
when a picture showed us caring for her in some way. She would ask why we did those fun things
without her, what characteristics she had while in my belly, where those silly
pictures were taken and how did we take care of her. The years flashed like a movie through my
mind. It seems so long ago that all
these events occurred; yet, she is only five.
Oh, how our family matured over the years.
It seems we never
quite understand the why of situations while in them. But, reflecting back on all the times, just
within the past five years, brought answers.
For example. . .why infertility for so long – the disappointments,
sadness, frustrations, anger, physical pain and hopeless nights. The experience led us to grow a little closer
to Him. We relied on faith to see us
through the disappointing appointments and all the emotions following. When we turned it over to Him, pregnancy
happened. He was preparing our angel,
sending her at just the right time.
Other whys include – why stay home during my pregnancy (He knew I needed
to be in a relaxing atmosphere and that the end would require days in the
hospital); why difficulty during my pregnancy (again, drew us closer to Him);
or why returning back to work after her.
The list goes on and on. Moral of
the story. . .He always provides as we rely on Him.
Think back! Do you see His mighty work? Disappointments arose when the plan did not
go YOUR way, sadness when someone else received what should have been YOURS,
frustration and anger followed when the whys were not apparent. But, dig deeper into it. He remained present through it all; whether
He was asked or not, He still arrived at each scene. Often times, we don’t understand the
situation in front of us; but, have faith, trust in Him and it will all make
sense one day. Every moment lived packs
meaning if lived for Him. You may never
realize the impact made on another’s life because you display faith through a
trial. Fulfilling a role you rather not,
may lead to the greatest ministry you ever experience. Waiting patiently (what’s that!?!) for
answers to said prayers may bring the greatest maturing in you as a Christian.
Let us together,
wake up each day with open hearts, pushing aside all the whys and living boldly
for Him. Trust Him with our daily
itinerary. He will work all out for His
good and blessings will overflow as we follow His plan. Look at how far He has brought you, the
situations He has saved you from, the growth through the trials and know that
each and every piece of your past grew you to the child He intended. Our Father loves each of His children and
smiles each time a step in faith and growth appear. Plop down and thumb through the many pictures
of your past. . .reminisce with your Father.
God, thank you for
growing me through each season. Thanks
for the endless listening, counseling, rescues and blessings you provide even
when this stubborn child rebels. I love
you and pray that each day I can express this through my actions and
words. Thank you for creating me and
allowing me to work for you here. . .until that work is completed and I can
meet you face to face, I pray for strength to remain obedient. Fill me with Your Word each day. Thank you, my Father. . .
Keep praying
harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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