"Let's just make the best of it." Have you ever heard this phrase used by someone when things are not going right? It's sort of like the old phrase, "grin and bear it." I don't know where or how over the course of my life I adopted this attitude but it seems to always spring up when faced with a conflict or situation where the "planned event" hits a bump in the road.
Recently my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. We had a beautiful sunshiny Florida day planned to canoe down a quiet lazy river. Also included in our plans at the state park was a delicious, early-morning make-your-own pancake breakfast with fresh blueberries and maple syrup included! Oh yes and you can smell the smoky bacon cooking when you walk in the café!
But much to my husband's chagrin, the canoe rental and café had a CLOSED FOR REFURBISMENT sign posted on the front door! All I could do was to start laughing, which I think at first my hubby didn't think was too funny. But, after all these years of married life you sort of learn to roll with ups and downs. "Well," I said, "lets just make the best of it and go for a walk along the river trails instead, then we will stop somewhere along the way home and get something to eat."
First though I had to use the restroom. We trekked a ways to get to the first visible concrete building only to find a chain and huge padlock over the bathroom! Oh no, I've got to go, now what? Wow, this day is going to be great, I thought. Another closed door, literally. Finally we trekked a ways to another concrete building and hurray it was open. Yay! The simple pleasures of life is to find a restroom when you really got to go! LOL
Before hitting the river trail, we sprayed ourselves down with insect repellent because we noticed little hungry mosquitos were already coming out to greet us on our journey. I sprayed myself first all over the front of my legs and arms then asked hubby to get my back. I guess he wanted to give me extra protection because the back of my pony tail was like I had just dipped it in coconut oil! But, I didn't say anything as we had already had enough little challenges to our day. Who needs another negative, right?
As we started the trek we were amazed at the high water levels of the river. The canoe area was closed due to flooding and the amphitheater where people walk down into the river bank was half covered in water! Wow, we couldn't have gone canoeing anyway because the canoe launch was closed! Well, another roadblock, but sometimes, that's just the way life goes, but we find joy in the midst anyway as we count our blessings.
We stopped for a moment to look at the trail map and decided to go to the next large bridge with an overhang view. "Let's go this way," I suggested. We then hiked for a bit enjoying the beautiful cypress, the huge oak trees covered in hanging moss and air ferns, plus lush green palm trees lining the banks. There was a peace and serenity like time standing still. I had to stand at the bank side for a bit and reflect how life is like a journey down the river. Often you don't know what's around the next bend but once you are in the boat you keep rowing to take you to your next destination.
We finally arrived at the bridge. Here it is! I ran up a head of hubby to get the first view. Oh no! Just incredible. It had a big closed sign on the bridge. Closed for repair. We both just looked at each other and started to laugh. "Well, I'm glad that it's being repaired!"
By this time we were both getting hot, sweaty and needing water. We trekked back to the car and decided to drive to make one final river viewing of the rapids area. We had both been there before over the years. We remembered how the noise of the rapids is so invigorating even if you are watching the water from the bank. So, off we went on one short trail to see the rapids.
As we approached I thought it was strange we couldn't hear the rapids, then as we got closer I understood why. The river was at such high water levels that the hug bolder rocks which caused the splash and crash sound of the river current waters were gone! Guess what? The rocks were all under water. Wow, another failed expectation of the day!
Well, Lord, why did you bring us to this place today? He told me to look around. I saw a young lady soaking up the sun in her cute shorts, tube top and hair perfectly tied back in a bun. She was sitting alone on a park bench writing in a journal. I felt compelled to ask her how her day was going? So I did. I asked her if she had any prayer needs. She asked me what I meant by that? I told her I prayed for people and that God wanted her to know that he could help her if she had any things that needed prayer. She said yes, actually there is. I came here because I'm considering making a change with a new job and at times I feel lost not knowing what to do.
The next ten minutes we exchanged different experiences of life and how difficult it is to make the right decisions. I gave her some scriptures to meditate on and told her how to find spiritual help through a relationship with Jesus. She explained how her parents both died when she was young and it had been tough at times growing up without them. She thanked me so much for praying and said she was glad that we had met. I gave her one my cards with my email to keep in touch. I told her I thought we had come to the park just
for her today. She smiled and agreed!
You see, when we least expect it, God can turn our "closed signs" into open doors, if we listen to his voice. He can turn the closed signs into open signs of purpose when we look to how we might help someone else instead of pondering or focusing on our own losses.
Jesus said " I came not to be served to but to serve." Mark 10:45 Jesus left us the best example for happiness. He also said if anyone wants to find his life, he must lose it. Want to find your life today? Surrender it to Christ and let the Master designer take control. He created you for a purpose and knowing Him is the source of it all.
Feel free to post your comments or prayer needs. Kudos to you today! God loves you so much and He has the best plan!
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