I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time; possibly since mid summer. Every Fall my dad and mom come for a visit. It's normally in October, but this year we had to push it back to November due to a busy month in October for my parents. So, I waited all through September and into the beautiful Fall days of October waiting for the second weekend of November to roll around. I had made changes around the house, bought their favorite biscotti and cereal, planned to have coffee mugs they would enjoy and activities that would suit my vacationing folks. I was so excited. This would be the first time for my parents to come and see the University and there are always people I want them to meet at church and work. They were supposed to arrive today. Monday my dad called to tell me they weren't coming. Due to circumstances that only God could have put into place, they decided that this was not the time for them to come. It hit me harder and sadder than I expected. It's so special to have your parents come to your house - it's your turn to take care of them. And I have really missed my parents since we have moved. I was the last one living at home for 4 years before I was married. In those 4 years we became such good friends. Long dinners and going for coffee on afternoons I didn't have to work - conversations I have missed. Another reason I was looking forward to them coming - couldn't wait to spend some time with my friends like we do each Fall. I had planned for coffee, breakfast, explore a historical site, and find a great restaurant and celebrate their birthdays on Saturday evening. All things that are not happening this weekend.
It's just one more way we learn to trust the Lord. It's one thing to be content when circumstances fall into place as we had planned and hoped and another to be content when we don't understand why the good things we have hoped and planned for don't come together. The important thing is that we can trust and find contentment in our Sovereign Lord. He knows what is best and He only gives us what is best.
'For the Lord our God is a SUN and SHIELD, He gives GRACE and GLORY. No good thing will He withhold from them who walk uprightly. Blessed is the man who trusts in HIM."
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8 comments:
Oh, Bethany, my heart is hurting for you in your disappointment, but I am so proud of you for having the right perspective. The picture of your parents was excellent -- they look so good! Contentment in disappointment is not easy, but with God, it is possible. Hang in there -- Christmas will be right around the corner! Love you much.
Beth, Beth... I am so sorry. It's one thing to live day by day missing family but it's another when you're anticipating something big and then it doesn't happen. I'm weird in that I enjoy the preparation and anticipation time almost as in it extends the actual time together (now that I think about it maybe that's why I'm not big into being surprised). Anyway...I'm crying with you and also thanking the Lord for the perspective He has given you. That's not an easy thing to choose to believe. I love you!
Aw Bethany,
I know you are so close to your parents. I'll be praying for you today as the Lord brings you to my mind. I hope that they are able to reschedule their visit!
This post makes me so sad and encouraged at the same time. The verse you used is one of my favorites and relate to it often. Thanks for sharing, even in sadness. I know the way I always look forward to time with family and can easily relate to the disappointment you are feeling. Keep resting in God's goodness and I pray that he blesses you in a special way this weekend.
Bethany I was sad to hear that your parents could not make it...How difficult it is to be content in in whatever state you are in....but the Lord is definitely giving you grace to do that. It is a great picture of your family!! Hope you are able to still have an enjoyable weekend!
Oh, Bethany, I'm so sorry it didn't work out. I know how excited you were to have your parents out here. Thanks for having a great attitude about it. I am definitely still working on begin content in whatever state I am in (Philippians 4:11-13). I've had those verses in my car as a reminder for years and I'm still working on it! I'm just reminded of where Paul was when he penned those words through divine inspiration.
Hope you and John are able to do something extra fun together today! Thinking and praying for you today.
Bethany - your post was good. I think a lot of us read it and had to think about our own lives...
as a side note: I like the new blog look:)
Yep...I hear ya on the disappointment. I know you always look forward to their visit. Good perspective, sweet attitude ;o) Lord willing next year, right?
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