It was a busy Tuesday this week. In addition to other activities, we were shopping with our granddaughter, Annabel. With each of our grands who graduate from high school, we take them shopping for a special gift. For the grandsons, we took them out and they chose a sports coat and slacks, all ready for a special occasion or job interview. We decided a ring would be a good remembrance for this girl. We paged through a magazine displaying beautiful rings, and then went to a local jewelers to try some on. She tried several rings on, and then we decided to think about it, have lunch and make the final choice.  We had lunch, the atmosphere warm and inviting, as we sat outdoors and enjoyed our lunch. While we ate, we talked through which ring Annabel would choose and by the end of the meal, she was sure which one she wanted.  After lunch we returned to the jewelers and selected “the one”.

 

After lunch, I knew our evening would start early. There were a couple of events that evening. A local political debate and also a prayer event at our church. We’d decided I would go to the debate, Jim would go to prayer. I would take notes. He would pray. A good combination. I scurried around, making dinner before our meetings. It was a new Tabouleh Salad recipe and a bit labor-intensive, but I knew it would be tasty. We would also have butternut squash soup. I put the squash in the pot to simmer. Ah, I could relax and we could head out the door. We would enjoy our dinner after the meetings. Jim would stay at the debate for awhile, then go on to church. While we were standing in line, waiting to get in to the venue, a thought crossed my mind: did I turn off the burner the soup was simmering on? I couldn’t remember, so I casually mentioned to Jim my lack of remembering. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I’ll check on it before I head to church.” So instead of staying for part of the debate, he headed off to check on the burner before his meeting.

Guess what? I didn’t turn off the burner. Jim tells me he entered the house that was full of smoke and smoke billowing out of the pot as well. He said it was hard to breathe, the air so smoky. The bottom of the pot was glowing, and inside was a mass of burnt squash with a tiny bit of orange visible. He cleaned up the mess (what a guy!) and aired out the house, opening the windows and turning on all the exhaust fans, although there was still a whisper of burnt smell in the air. We can imagine what would have happened if Jim hadn’t returned to check on the soup.  What was avoided I don’t know for sure, but I do know we were protected from a potential disaster.

This time, the end of the story had a good ending. What about when it doesn’t end like mine did? Are we still grateful? It’s much easier to trust God when things turn out right, then when they don’t.

I’m reading a book Transforming Your Thought Life  by Sarah Geringer. Today, she defined joy as, Contentment within our circumstances. I like that. Within our circumstances. Circumstances change moment by moment.

I’m so grateful that busy day didn’t end in tragic circumstances–like our home burning to the ground. I am grateful the Holy Spirit reminded me of what I forgot to do and I acted on that thought. I don’t always, I confess, and am grateful I did this time.

There have been hard times in my life–just as each of us experience–I can tell you God is worthy of trust in all circumstances.

I believe most of my blog audience are Christians, but I don’t want to assume. So just as when I speak to women’s groups, I’ll include a prayer you might pray if you have not yet done so. You can say a simple prayer something like this: “Heavenly Father, I don’t understand why You love me like You do, but I accept that fact. I believe You died on the cross for me and paved the way for forgiveness for all my sins. Please come in to my life and take over my thought life. My pattern of doing things my own way. I want You to be my Lord and Savior.”

If you have never prayed that prayer and you did today, would you email me and tell me? I’d be honored to pray for you as you begin a new way of living with peace and contentment in any circumstance and life with Jesus Christ.

Enjoy the beauty that is flourishing during this season, and keep in mind you can enjoy peace at all times.