Sam's(Gift)

Maybe I shouldn’t admit this out loud but 2 days ago was one of my more frustrating days. I know, I know, we are supposed to remain positive and not let the uncertainties of life get to us…..but I’m cutting the grey area out and letting you know that there are days of struggle that come. This past Thursday was one of those days.

After a lengthy phone conversation with my best friend, who just happens to be my wife, I made the statement, “I simply ask God for one - Just ONE positive thing today. Something to let me know He is with me and I am on the right path.” I made that statement as I turned onto the road to our home. I paused long enough to open our mailbox to find a package from a young person whom I used to pastor. I opened it to find a gift that brought me to uncontrollable tears and repentance. Inside I found this cross with the word ‘Journey’ written across it, and the scriptures of Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 121:5, 7-8. They read, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

The note inside apologized for the gift being late, but that it had to be ordered and just arrived for him to get it to me. However, God is NEVER late. And in my frustration, I had missed the very essence of the process of my Journey. Allow me a little leeway in scripture here ...... the Bible says that when you have done all you know to do – just STAND! I would like to insert words spoken to me recently - Larry just had to learn to simply CHILL!

Sam – let no man despise your youth! God used you to shake this ‘journeyer’ from his selfishness. From now on, I’m just going to chill out.