To Whom Do I Turn?

Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

 King Solomon tells us to guard our hearts for a purpose. We are to journey on the best path and stop being distracted by everything. We need God’s wisdom. 

 I have been looking back at my life now that I am 75 and stand amazed at the different stages I have been through. All of us are probably amazed by who we have become. We are taken aback by the changes we’ve made through life’s journey with some positive and not so positive. All of us have learning curves and it's important because it molds us and helps us find our way.

 As I was maturing and learning what was important in life, I was either elated or truly saddened by the events and the seasons of my walk. I have cried hard, and I have laughed until my sides hurt.   

 It wasn’t until in my later years that I truly began to understand the path God had chosen for me. I’m finally beginning to grasp the unanswered questions I have posed to Him. I have thanked Him, and I have been angered by His decisions when my life was turned upside down. I know you perfectly understand what I am saying.  

 As an example, I was excited for the perfect husband He picked for me. This man lovingly stood by me through everything; the children we raised, the child we lost. The loss of him at 53 broke my heart. We all have been through events we wished we could change - illness, death, mistakes we made in our careers and for some we are hardheaded and continue to make our mistakes. Me? Yes, I do. But don’t forget our success as well.     

 Being honest I am beginning to understand the circle of life and the plans God had/has for me. As a young adult if God revealed my life as I had requested many times, I would NOT have been properly prepared to even think I could handle it.  

 I find myself thanking Him for the experience whether it was above my expectations of excitement or the flood of tears asking, “Why?” 

 All of us mature differently and learn from our personal experiences. When we see our family or friends going through difficult times, I am now leaning more on God plan than my own. I can’t fix everything! God wants us to assist the suffering and celebrate even small successes. But the one important lesson I have learned before getting involved in anyone's problems is to pray. “God, how can I help? I am going to but need your guidance.” It's simple, He tells us many times over and over to have faith and to pray. Remembering that the outcome may not be as we had hoped, but He only has the very best plans for us. 

As I recently heard again, “Jesus hates sin but loves the sinner.” So, friends, why do we make it more complicated than it needs to be?  

Father, life is not always beautiful in our eyes, especially when we take our eyes off You. Help me to be grateful for what You have planned for me knowing there will be a day that all my questions will be answered when I arrive home with You. AMEN