I just heard it again…
A pathetic little sound that carries across road, across the soccer/baseball field and directly to my back yard.
Every morning. 7:30, like clock work.
There is a mule that resides in a field about a half mile behind us.
This mule, let’s call him Frank, has a friend – a horse we’ll name Bob.
I had heard about this mule from my friend, Carol. (She knows their real names which I can’t remember right now. They are much more amusing than Frank and Bob. :-)) She told me that each morning at 7:30 the owner of Frank and Bob, comes to take Bob for a ride. Frank can’t stand it. He loves his friend. He hates being left there alone. And though this same routine happens every day, he cries as if each time is a new and terrible experience. He forgets that Bob will be back in just a little while.
It’s such a sad and pathetic sound. But it made me smile this morning.
So often we are like Frank. Difficulty comes into our lives and we act surprised as if we’ve never faced adversity before. As if there is no hope.
But like Frank, we need to realize that our Owner is still in control. He will restore joy. He’s done it a million times before in each of our lives. He has a plan. He’s got Bob (the difficulty) and always has Frank (us) on His mind.
Yesterday I had the sweet pleasure of talking with three of my neighbors at length. Three very different women who have, like all of us, faced adversity in their lives. Every story was unique. Each one difficult. But every single one of those women has come through their given situation with grace and newfound wisdom and depth. And when they share their stories, it’s not with a poor-me type attitude. It’s a story that says, “This is what I’ve learned. This is how the experience changed me. These are the hidden blessings that were tucked away inside the difficulty.” Every single one held a message of ashes traded for beauty.
Jesus told us that life on earth was going to be difficult at times. It is no surprise to him, even when we are surprised at our circumstances. He has a plan. He longs to remind us that if we have a relationship with Him, then we can breathe deeply in knowing that this is not our final destination. These are bumps in the road on the journey home. Unlike heaven, our temporary troubles will not last forever. And if we look closely and look back, we will see evidence of God’s provision and complete faithfulness through it all. Promise. God’s promise, not mine.
Frank is quiet now. The owner must have brought Bob back. Or maybe Frank remembered, “This, too, shall pass”….
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
