Getting Around the Things of Life

By Kathryn C. Lang

Things get in the way – no matter how much I plan or how great my intentions – things find a way to get in the way. At least, that is how it seems. My life will be moving along with gusto. I will see the signs of confirmation all around me. The joy of it all will bubble over onto anyone that I encounter.

And then it isn’t.

One little thing pops up and all of those amazing and wonderful moments are lost. I struggle just to breathe - forget about moving forward. That one little thing manages to crush the enthusiasm under its tiny foot. The darkness closes in and I am left alone.

Only I’m not.

A song comes on to remind me that I am not alone. A friend calls unexpectedly just to let me know she is thinking about me. A letter arrives in the mail just to say hello. Suddenly, I catch a glimpse of that possibility that I was living in when it was joy driving the day instead of darkness hiding it.

Things get in the way – but I do not have to let them stay there. I can kick them to the side like a stick in the path. Things will try to darken my horizon – but I do not have to remain in the dark. I can see beyond the darkness to the dawn or beyond the storm to the rainbow.

And you? Do things get in your way?

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Kathryn C. Lang shares words of inspiration on her website www.kathrynlang.com. Join her there as she finds new ways to face down the storms, discover the rainbows and live in a river of peace.

Introducing Sharon Wilhite

Pity or Pity Party?

Nine family members' bags packed, presents wrapped and bagged, leftovers eaten, last load of laundry completed, two pet fish carried over to the neighbor's, plants liberally watered.

 I fall into bed after 11 p.m. tired but excited about our next day's much anticipated trip to my sister's home in Missouri.  We haven't made this trip in years.  The children (especially the younger boys) have been talking for weeks about seeing and playing with their cousins. 

4 a.m.  I am awakened by crying in our bedroom doorway.  One of those young boys has apparently come down with the flu.  Sigh...He has a headache, fever, and terribly aching joints.  He can't quit crying not only because he physically hurts all over, but also because he knows that the rest of the family can't go on vacation now as planned...and it's his fault.  I put him in bed with my husband and me and hold him close.  Neither of us can sleep.  I am disappointed and tired, but I love my son far more than a long awaited vacation.  I rub his legs and pray for him.  

9 a.m.  His closest brother in age comes in, disgruntled look on his face, an angry, complaining spirit filling the room.
"What?  We're not going this morning?  I'm mad at you!" his face says.
 Normal human nature?  Unfortunately, yes.  Godly nature?  No!  

A verse comes to mind.  I search my Bible to find it.  Psalm 103:13-14.  I read, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him.  For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust."  
Just as a Mom or Dad can unselfishly put aside their wishes/expectations for the needs of their children, so the Almighty God puts aside His position as Sovereign of All to meet my needs-your needs.  

Psalm 103 wonderfully reminds us that the LORD forgives and heals us, redeems us from destruction, crowns us with kindness and mercies.  He renews our strength.  God is merciful and gracious.  He is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.  

Yes, the LORD pitieth His children.  He feels our sufferings; He understands our humanity and, therefore, can truly show us sympathy and compassion.  
I pray that my selfish young son will mature spiritually and take on the character traits of His Heavenly Father.  
 
I pray that "I" will not fail to consistently model godly compassion as a wife and my son's mother. 

Help me, Father.
Amen

Sharon Wilhite is the wife of one Terry Wilhite (teacher, chimney sweep, and handyman) and mother of seven children (4 girls and 3 boys, ages 6-19).  She likes to write children's picture books, poems, and insights from her personal devotions.  Her other joys in life (other than her children) include taking pictures of bugs and flowers and eating dark chocolate.  Homeschooling, housework, and cooking take up most of her time.  If anyone has a beachfront cottage they would like to loan her in order for her to write in peace and quiet, she would love to hear from you!