GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.   Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seemed to go right, and everything seemed to conspire against you?  If you can answer, “No”; then God Bless You!

I had one of those days today. 

For the past three years, we have celebrated family events via creative meal deliveries, socially distanced gatherings at individual tables, or even by Zoom.  As fall approached, and as we seem to have begun to put the pandemic behind us, we eagerly prepared for our first “sit down” family Thanksgiving gathering in what seems like a lifetime – and for our youngest members, it has been.

This morning our plan was to be at the grocery store early to get all the necessary supplies before the inevitable crowds descended.  We slept in. 

With nearly an hour late start, the drive was slower and much busier – more time lost.  At the grocery store, the shelves were less than full, and our plans for a “perfect” dinner seemed to be slipping away.  We had been awake for less than 90 minutes and already I could already feel the frustration turning into anger and anxiety.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4: 6-7 (NIV)

Please Lord, grant me peace.  “Not yet!” seemed to be his reply.

I tried to convince myself that things would improve as the day went along, but our check-out experience proved otherwise.  One check-out open, and it was also the lottery/customer service kiosk.  Enough said!

Off to the bank, for some “fun coupons’ just in case of spontaneity.  Hah!  The ATM decided it knew better, and that the funds should remain in the bank and not in my hand.

We arrived home, dropped the groceries and rushed back out to vote.  “Sorry, we don’t open for another half- hour.”  Back home we went.

Now with the groceries put away, the voting done and a late breakfast/early lunch in our bellies, we realised that for all its imperfections, frustrations, and anxious moments, it was still a day the Lord had given us.  It was time to count our blessings and be thankful.

We are healthy; we have a roof over our heads; and we have and plenty to eat.  There is money in the bank – I know this because the ATM kept it for me – and in a couple of days we will have almost all of our family gathered around the table to share a meal and give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy.

Today’s “day” has reminded me of just how blessed we truly are and that how we respond to “one of those days” is always our choice.  Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but peace of mind is way better than succumbing to the urge to give a “piece of your mind”.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14: 27 (NIV)

God Bless,

Donald