When Things Go Right

Something amazing happened to me this year. For the most part, things went right! That's not to say that there weren't bumps in the road because there were. This year however, the bumps didn't seem as threatening as in previous years. I was able to ride over them with a smaller amount of chaos and they smoothed themselves out before causing too much damage. Of coarse, what I consider to be "right" and what God knows is best for me, is not always compatible. But this year, the two longings of my wishes and God's will, seemed to have melted together perfectly. Simply put, if I am fortunate enough to see 2007, I am grateful that it will find me happy and content. Through this good year, I have learned something that I never expected.

When times are tough, my dependence on the Lord is evident. The moment something happens that brings grief into my life or the lives of my loved ones, I pray. Praying is my first instinctive reaction. I have seen the power of prayer confirmed many times. In fact, I am convinced I would not still be living if it were not for the prayers of my parents, family and friends throughout my life. My life has not been a sheltered one and I have been in situations that could have easily ended in disaster. But prayer saved me. Now, more than ever, I lean on the strength that communicating with God provides. When times are hard, I know what to do. It's with times of fulfillment that I lack great experience. In contentment, I have found an unexpected lesson.

It is so easy to take blessings for granted on sunny days. When I am surrounded with gifts of joy, I relax and my guard goes down. The guard that I am speaking of is not one that keeps goodness and love at a distance. The guard that drops when I am at ease is the one that reminds me of my continual dependence on God. When I am troubled, I automatically turn to Him.The moment something good happens I say, "Thank you." It is when God allows my happiness to be sustained that I tend to forget the importance of seeking His guidance. When the spirit-filled guard drops, idleness creeps in. Prayers that were once full of passion can turn dormant and too much joyful busyness can lead to spiritual weakness.

When things are going good, my need for God does not diminish. This lesson that God gave me this year, should be an obvious one. But unfortunately, it is common to overlook the need for God's guidance when all is going well. Even when we are already on the right path, He continues to lead us. If we do not continually seek His direction, we can easily get off track. Likewise, if we continue to eagerly follow Him, our blessings which are already abundant will be overflowing. This year, I have learned to keep my eyes on the Lord at all times. Even when I feel like I am on top of the world, only God can make me fly!

Photo: Taken 2006