Stuff happens

I'm wedged between big stuff and little stuff. Between praying for God's help in world crises like Pakistani floods and missionary martyrdom, and sighing over losing my keys getting off the bus yesterday, or trying to focus on research methodology for my coursework.

Our kids have always managed big stuff well - two of our boys hardly blinked while recovering from surgeries to repair their collapsed lungs. "Ah, collapsed lungs. Skinny white boys. Typical." (We were amused by this remark - twice - from their Asian surgeon.) Our daughter is heroic in her management of pain from arthritis. They've handled career changes, found new jobs, good spouses... seemingly without losing momentum or balance.

But, bee stings? Scrapes and bruises? The flu? Inconvenience? We heard their protests, loud and clear.

Stuff happens. Life is full of moments where unexpected challenges surprise us. What we do with the little things determines our reactions in important matters. For instance, when someone cuts us off in traffic, do we say, "Shoot (or its harsher alternative)!" or whisper a prayer of gratitude for not being in an accident? When we stumble over our feet, is it "oops!" or does something coarser cross our minds? Good patterns and aligning ourselves with God's character in "little" choices will help kick in survival reflexes with true wisdom rather than mere self-preservation.

Today, I'm thankful for a God whose patience and persistence continues to train and discipline the hearts and mouths of his children. And yeah, I'm still wondering if someone will turn my keys in...

Read more:
*Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13 NIV

*For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:12-16 NIV