For those of you who regularly read my blog, you know that my last one was about how we were all set to go on vacation (to Florida). Well ….. as it turned out, a sizeable obstacle (in the form of Hurricane Dorian) emerged. Early reports were that it was going to touch down in Florida and that where we would be vacationing was in its path. So, using the best information we had, we cancelled everything and had a stay-cation. Wouldn’t you know it? Dorian never hit Florida.
We had been planning and saving for this vacation to Florida for about a year, so it was disappointing. Still, we had a very blessed time on our stay-cation and probably received more rest than had we gone south.
What happened with Dorian reminded me of two very important truths. First, we are very blessed. Why? Well, just consider those in the Bahamas who were devastated by Dorian. Have you seen the images? Have you considered the loss? Do I really want to bemoan how we did not go to Florida from my nice, safe, undamaged home that contains all of my loved ones? I don’t think so. Then, you add to this the reality that I have the type of job that pays me well, and affords to me almost five weeks of vacation, and my tally of complaints shrivels even further. Then, factor in all the fun we had and the food we enjoyed and the rest we received in our comfy surroundings, and all that is left is praise.
The other important truth that I was reminded of comes from this verse:
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
This is not just true for vacations, but for life overall. There is nothing wrong with planning. As a matter of fact it is good and important, for Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Yet, we all know that we have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Sickness? Poverty? Sorrow? Unemployment? Turmoil in our relationships? A hurricane? Death? As I am writing this, my place of work is remembering those who were lost in the 9/11 attack. All the victims had plans and each seemingly had a future, but not anymore.
Life is fragile. Plans are tentative at best. We just don’t know what is coming.
This is why it is so important to acknowledge that God is over all. We may feel like we are masters over our life, but we are not. I have become convinced that the best view of life is the one offered by Job after he experienced great personal loss:
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
He fell to the ground…and worshiped.
He fell to the ground, and….WORSHIPED.
Life not going your way?
Worship.
For Jesus,
Rob