Monday, August 22, 2011

Not what I expected



Sometimes things happen that we don't expect. Usually, we've got some idea about how things should go or the way we want them to, and they don't go that way. Isn't this the human condition? For me... ok, I'm getting personal here... I've been married and divorced. Not once, not twice, but three times - the last was final only about 2 weeks ago. No, I'm not going to list those as my three good things. In fact, they downright bite, blow and suck (in no particular order). None of that went the way I wanted, and not the way they wanted either. I'm not going to start listing reasons or anything, but let's agree that it's rotten all the way around. So, what's the good stuff?

2) I understand people in pain and have far more compassion for them than I ever would otherwise.

3) I've spent considerably more time reading the Bible than I likely would have. This kinda goes with how God works, by bringing us into a desert where we have to rely on him utterly and completely.

1) I found out who my friends are. Man, that's kinda harsh, but it's true. Over the last few months, a handfull of people (all who are brothers and sisters in Christ) have shunned and ignored me, bad-mouthed me, and purposefully tried to make things worse for me. On the other hand, so many others have stepped up to do the right thing, give me comfort, accountability and compassion. It's quite wonderful to know that someone cares for you, even when you're at your worst.

The trick about not getting what you expect is to be thankful for what you get, no matter what it is.
That's really tough, but good.

5 comments:

  1. This touched me! I, too, have gotten the unexpected lately and am having a real hard time reconciling it in my brain. I would love to let God take over, and I try, but sometimes I don't know when I'm supposed to make a move or just sit back and wait and see what He has planned. I get confused as to if part of His plan is for me to make move.

    I am on my second divorce and life has taken an even stranger twist as of late. There are several times when I feel I need to hang my head in shame. Actually, more than several.

    You are an inspiration that you are able to pull out so much good out of very difficult situations. Thank you!!

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  2. Thanks so much for your kind comment! Keep lifting each other up to become closer to God and better people.

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  3. Life has a way of biting us when we least expect
    It's how we deal with the biters that stands us apart
    God bless

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  4. Thank you for sharing these good things! I love to read them!

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  5. You are so special, thank you for sharing!

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