Written 5/6/23

So last Saturday during a yard sale Lys & I were hosting, a stranger with a limp and a cain approaches our driveway. A fresh face with a wallet in hand, we were excited about what appeared to be a serious prospect to liquidate some of our inventory.

Of course, as time and conversation would have it, our inkling would be confirmed. And after four hauls to her vehicle, a sit-down to catch our breaths would result.

Here is where it gets interesting…

During the next few minutes, Lys and the local start to discuss the reason for the sale and it comes to light this lady has a 17-year-old daughter who was born at 24 weeks, similar health issues to Juby though somehow she survived.

Suddenly, this divine appointment becomes a litmus test. After all, finding someone with a similar story at such a profound level shouldn’t be so easy. I mean, c’mon God, we were just starting to enjoy this time with our neighbor. Now, we get to hear of this alternative ending we wish was our own!?! Not cool, not fair. We don’t need this salt in our wound.

Granted, the daughter has endured a lifetime of health complications and surgeries. Certainly, the road would have been paved with hurdles galore had Juby survived. Still, what parent wouldn’t trade the hurdles for a lifetime, for the legacy of fighting to continue?

Whatever the case, despite the facial flatlines, Lys steers the dialogue into constructive territory…and by dialogue’s end, the finale is clear: Not only had we gained an intent of return but a mutual admiration of the moment and a friend through a unique and common bond. Who knew opening up your home and property could yield such fruitful returns?

My point in sharing this is simple: In the tale of life and death, there will be jealousies and the temptation to give into them. While on some days we will covet possessions, on others, we will envy testimonies and narratives. We will love our brother in an instant and in the next, be blindsighted with a ‘why’ that defies understanding.

If you find yourself in one of those situations, know as you’re faithful to live the Word, you can relish those involuntarily mental crossroads even when you catch a glimpse of what could have been. Again, if you’re letting God establish your steps, it doesn’t make sense to chase vain imaginations down those dead-end cul-de-sacs. Instead, believe in the One who ordains all things, who predestined them according to His purpose, who works all things according to the counsel of His will, and sets in motion the secret things that belong to Him while also revealing that which belongs to us.

Wonders without number that reflect the greatness of the Almighty…they will find you, sometimes when you least expect. And that’s okay. You may not think you’re ready, your emotions may seem chained to a crazy carousel. Whatever the case, live your life, abide by the Spirit, and when an open door skips the horizon to the front of your grill. walk through it and dare to be exposed. Who knows! You may just find that you’re further along than you think.

Note: I’m keeping this short and sweet in the spirit of book fodder. For now, as always…

Selah.