Yesterday morning, at 7:50 am , I was driving in the usual spot on the road as I brought my son to his school bus stop. As I turned the corner on the first section of S-curve, I saw the most beautiful sky I’ve seen in a while. The background consisted of variable shades of blue blended one into another. The clouds came in two types: soft, misty like ones that merged into the background colours, and small, puffy white ones scattered around them. The sun was hidden from view, but shone on the puffy clouds to vary the brightness of white, and give others the ‘silver lining’ effect that is gorgeous to behold. All together it was like a rich canvas painted before me that changed with every turn of the van.
Other times when I drove the same route, I have happened upon miserable weather, or fog so thick you couldn’t see, or sunrises that brought colour to my day. You never know what you’re going to see when you turn a corner, even if you are very familiar with the route and buildings. Life, nature, and people are often unpredictable, and change things unexpectedly. Doesn’t that make life more interesting?
(This is a bit of a side thought.) At any one time, some of us are like the soft, misty clouds blending in to the background. Others are differing sizes of puffy, dark to bright white clouds and some have silver linings while others are completely hiding from the sunlight. In the end, it takes all the kinds of clouds and colours to make for a captivating and splendid scene. (Back to the main thought.)
There have been times in life that I have turned a corner and discovered wonderful new friends, great opportunities for growth, skills I did not know I possess, and other positive experiences. There have also been times I turned a corner and learned the depths of despair, the grief of loss, the pain of broken heartedness, and other negative experiences. But all the experiences have helped me learn and grow, even during the times I was angry, shut down or trying to escape reality.
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you… That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness… Col. 1:9-13
The apostles prayed these words for the Colossians that they would walk in a way pleasing to the Lord. They further explain that means being fruitful in good works, increasing knowledge of God, and then speaks about being strengthened, in His power, with patience, longsuffering and joyfulness, as well as giving thanks for He has delivered us. I think Paul is talking about those turns in life where we learn so many lessons, toughen up or become stronger in the Lord, learn patience/ longsuffering and joy in the midst of trials. Eventually, we learn to thank God no matter what we are going through.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Jm. 1:2-4 ISV
Everyday there are corners to turn, and we can’t keep our joy if we are always worried those turns will become negative experiences. We need to trust the Lord will be with us through all the good and all the bad; that He will take care of us and turn all the negative things into good in our lives. Turning the corners in this life is interesting and exciting when the Lord is in control at the wheel beside us, and when we put our trust in Him. With Him, we can check out all the experiences around the corner, especially the blue canvas skies.
Lord, help us to trust You with ALL our heart!