For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Our 6-year-old grandson was really looking forward to a specific afternoon activity with someone he had not seen in a while. He mentioned it to his mother at bedtime the night before and again at breakfast. However, about an hour before I was scheduled to drive him to the event, his mother called to let me know that she had just been notified that the event was canceled.
When I picked up my grandson and informed him that we would do something different this afternoon because his event was canceled, he went silent. Then, he became angry. With a raised voice, he blamed me for the cancellation. He blamed his grandmother, and then his mother. He went silent again as his eyes filled with tears.
I tried explaining to him how we make plans, but there are times when things are beyond our control. When this happens, we simply need to change our plans. Yes, we may feel disappointed, but we don’t need to become angry. It doesn’t help to blame those around us, especially when they played no part in the situation. He listened and remained quiet.
Thankfully, my grandson willingly participated in the alternative activity, and we enjoyed our afternoon together.
How often do we do this with God? Things don’t go as we planned. Changes or cancellations happen. We don’t attain specific goals or experience anticipated outcomes. People fail to follow through on their obligations and promises. In these situations, we are left feeling disappointed. We then allow these circumstances to turn into anger, and we lash out, sometimes blaming God.
Our God knows us individually. He cares for each of us and wants us to experience His blessings. Change is a regular part of life, and we will experience disappointments. Yet God is always present and will love us through our disappointments if we will allow Him.
Lord, help us to remain calm in disappointment. In those moments, may we remember that we are loved by You. Amen.
Copyright Sam Ayers.
Sam is a lifetime retired Christian Educators member. He is currently preparing teachers and principals at Lubbock Christian University.
