Frustrating Circumstances

Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Colossians 3:1,17 – Set your minds on things that are above … do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Some days are very frustrating. Well, not exactly. It's not so much the day that is frustrating, as it is the development of circumstances. For example: Maybe there is a project you've been wanting to work on for some time. Finally you wake up on a day with both the promise of free time, and the zest for tackling said project. You may even get started. Then it happens. The circumstances. Before you know it, you are "under" the circumstances. Your plans must be abandoned, and attention and energies redirected. Like today I actually started. It wasn't long before the circumstances came a-tumbling in. After about four different changes of direction, it became clear that today was not the day. During a lull later in the afternoon, I was thinking about all this, and how frustrating it had been. But then I had a kind of rare flash of insight. Behind each "circumstance" that had interrupted my progress, was a person, or persons. As a Christian, I believe that nothing happens by chance. God sends some people to us … people to interrupt us, people who need something from us, yes and people who have something to give to us. The people who come into our days are more important than any pet project. My special plans will wait for another day. Today I had more important things to do. Besides, I've gained a new perspective.

Prayer: God, grant us your wisdom and grace to accept with love and understanding all those you send to us today. Thank you for all the people who are a part of our lives. Help us to honour you in all our responses. Amen.

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