april 18th, 2008 chapel

...there is a time for everything in life, and instead of running from these inevitable [difficult] phases, we must face them.
To take this a step further, I believe God desires that we not only tolerate these stages, but that we embrace and rejoice in them. If I say that God is in control and Lord of my life, but I grumble and fight the steps of my life, I will not only be a negative witness, but I will live without joy or peace. If I believe God ordains my life and has a purpose for it, but I do not like what I get, I am in essence telling God He got it wrong...I pray we can all embrace and rejoice in all the phases God so graciously allows us to live.

Prayer: Father, sometimes I am so busy trying to hold on to a stage in my life or longing for one that yet remains in the future, that I miss the joy and blessings of the present. Please help me to value each day and each stage, and to follow your direction for my life each step of the way.