Our Comfort and Our Guide

God prepares us for life. I’m certain of it. We are right where we need to be!

I’ve been reflecting on pathways – books read, people met, experiences had, and lessons learned. Every single thing prepares us for the life ahead.

As I trace the pathways in my life, I am becoming more and more aware of how things of my past prepared me for my present. I would not have felt as comfortable relating to certain alcoholics, without having known a man who was a chronic alcoholic. I signed up as a volunteer to respond to prayer requests, long before I knew I would one day be writing prayers for prisoners! Without joining a prison ministry group, I would have missed knowing some individuals who are now dear to my heart.  Without having had the many, many jobs I’ve held over the years, I might never have learned to do a variety of things that prepared me for the job I do now.

I believe in a loving God, but a God Who allows us to make bad choices. It is from those bad choices that we learn how to make good choices. Our God welcomes us with open arms whenever we run (or even walk) to Him. As with parents who allow stubborn or headstrong children to make poor choices, He permits us to forge ahead…and when we realize our errors, He comforts us and loves us unconditionally – also as a good parent would do.

I pray this day that we have the foresight to ask Him to be our guide each day, to accompany us through all of life’s ups and downs, and to thank Him for always being there for us. May we know wisdom and understanding, recognizing His ever constant care throughout the years, and may we grow to know Him as the Loving Father He truly is.