Dad's wisdom

My dad once told me something that has stuck in my head for years.  I was a pre-teen at the time and just a smidge stubborn and willful (hard to believe, I know).  It took many years of soaking in to have the impact he intended, but better late than never, right?  He said, “When things seem tough, remember this.  Things can usually be worse, so you can be grateful that they aren’t.  Or if they’re already as bad as things can be, things can only get better so you can look forward to that.”  I’m sure those weren’t the exact words but that’s how I remember it.  I also remember that I was wearing a green-and-black large polka-dot wrap-around skirt with flip-flops and the pair of donated glasses that was closest to my prescription (which coincidentally darkened like sunglasses in the sunlight but took a long time to return to normal once you went inside).  Things were already looking up from there…

It’s usually easier to remember this important advice to tell someone else in their moments of distress but surprisingly forgotten when I need it myself.  I wonder why that is…  :-)  With all the recent events, it’s great to realize that things could be worse so I can be grateful that they aren’t.  Focusing on God’s goodness in the midst of this world’s minor disruptions has been such a blessing and He has given me joy (without waiting for morning!).

Well check this out.  I found out that I don’t need to replace my car after all!!  Just a new thermostat and some antifreeze and I’m on my way.  I’m amazed by this turn of events.  I had already begun my hunt for another vehicle and was preparing myself for the withdrawal from emergency savings.  To find out that I can keep my savings and have my car back is incredible!!  PRAISE THE LORD!!  I’ll take it as a reminder not to love the things of this world (like my car) because they can be gone in an instant.  And an amazing reflection of my God’s goodness.  Amen and amen.