I’ve been granted so many breath-taking sunrises and sunsets, so many beautiful landscapes that I cannot even begin to count them. The only times I haven’t seen any of them are the times I chose not to look for them. God’s always provided them.
I’ve made some amazing friends through the years. Some of those friendships have lasted what seems like forever. Others have fizzled down to just an acquaintance, while still others have completely disappeared. But I know that each friend was placed in my path for a specific reason. Those reasons may not be self-revealing and I may have felt at times that I had no friends at all. But as I reflect, I find that the only times I’ve felt completely friendless are the times I wasn’t a friend to God. He’s always been there for me…and He always will be.
My family! From having grandparents to now myself being a grandparent, plus living out every role in between. Yes, I’ve lost many family members whom I was not prepared to say goodbye to, but I’ve come to learn it is all part of life…part of growing…and a huge part of loving. And I know that I have a family waiting for me on the other side. God has them in His care and He has always been my heavenly Father. The only time I’ve felt homeless is when I failed to invite God into my home.
Ups and downs? Feast or famine? Oh yes, I’ve experienced all those as well. But for every down I’ve known in this life, God has given me a huge boost up. And for every famine I’ve suffered, God has given me a feast. The only times in life that I have truly felt hopeless are the times I was not looking for and talking to God. He has always waited patiently for me to return to Him.
Not enough can be said to even describe the storms of life I’ve endured. But look—I’m still here—and I’m not only surviving, I am thriving! Because after every storm I’ve gone through, God has given me a sense of peace and calm. He has always shown me a rainbow--the sign of His covenant with us. His promise to never destroy all of life with flooding. The waters may get deep and wide, but God is always there, standing on the shoreline, waiting to pull me to safety. The only times I’ve felt scared during the storms of life are the times I took my eyes off God.
Yes, this journey of life has taught me so many things. But the most important—the one that really stands out to me—is to trust God and let him be in total control. He is the most reliable tour guide I will ever know. If you don't already know Him, I would love to introduce you!
Ruth McDonald Mair
3/17/2020