My life isn’t all sunshine and daisies. I’m a total optimist, but even the best of us have bad days… Today is one of mine.
I was supposed to drive to my mom’s apartment to help her pack her apartment into a U-Haul as she prepares to move to Montana. My car wouldn’t start. Loading was scheduled to begin at 8:30 but we were delayed about an hour to get a hitch for the thing so the other thing could do it’s thing (Sorry, auto mechanics isn’t my strong suite).
I had only planned to stay for a few hours as I was hoping to attend a friend’s wedding. Due to the delay and boxes that remained, I missed it. Packing continued for a good 6 hours. As I still had no car of my own I road shotgun sitting indian style in a suburban that was packed to the max as we cautiously cruised 45 mph down the highway. Can’t say I’ve ever done that before. I was supposed to arrive at 2:00pm to dog and horse sit for some family friends. I didn’t get there until a little before 4:00pm. Post-chores, I started feeling the unfriendly side-effects of dairy. When did I have dairy?!
Pretty sure the tears shed earlier this afternoon at the realization I was going to miss my friend’s wedding are creeping back. I’m exhausted and overwhelmed, physically and emotionally. Complaining is one of my least favorite things to do but I was feeling lead to share with you an emotional low I’m going through today. Why? Well, why not? No one has a perfect life where everything goes as planned. We have our plans, where we want to be, what we want to do. Then life hits and things change.
The next year of my life is certain to have days like today. I will have my plans, intentions, hopes and wishes. Then life happens and all of my expectations will come crashing down to bits. I may cry. I might want to scream and say it’s not fair. But in the end I’m going to have to recognize that God puts me in the exact place at the exact time he wants me there – even if I don’t agree or like what it looks like.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I can’t end a day, much less a blog post, on a negative note. After reviewing the unfortunate series of events that took place, here are the blessings I came to find:
– My car was recently diagnosed with “rotten break lines.” The mechanic didn’t advise I drive my pre-planned two 4 hour trips to Chicago. But Dubuque driving was fine. I think I would have much rather have a dead car than drive one and the breaks go out.
– While it still sucks to have missed such an important time in my friend’s life, I couldn’t have left my mom alone to pack up her apartment. What took us both 6 hours to accomplish would have taken even longer and been more physically/emotionally exhausting for her, had I chosen what I wanted. I am delighted to have been able to accomplish this task with her help and by her side.
– I’m still lactose intolerant, ugh. But if I wasn’t sick right now, I wouldn’t have spent time seeking healing, peace and comfort from God and recognizing the blessings amidst the terribleness of today.
Where ever you are right now and whatever kind of day you are experiencing, I pray that God reveals his love and joy to you. Tomorrow is going to be better.
