When November 3 came around, I thought about what I was doing on that date last year, following an ambulance and waiting at the hospital. Now memories--past posts--pop up on Facebook related to the times in the hospital and Cindy's recovery. I cannot help but reflect over the past year and where we are now.
This journey with God is lived forward but understood backward.
Looking back we see the twists and turns, we see the helping hands, we see how one thing led to another thing. For us, I see that it would have been extremely difficult for me to be available for Cindy this past year if I had a 8-to-5 job...and near impossible if I was teaching in a school classroom. Our journey that started several years ago prepared us for this past year. I'm able to work from home easily; Cindy has been able to get back to her work with limited mobility; scheduling 100s of appointments was easier with a flexible schedule.
Looking back I can understand more about the road we've traveled. There are, of course, things I don't fully get yet and may not this side of eternity. But I see God's hand at work in our past travels.
But we must live forward, anticipating what is coming next. The past lies behind us and can inform us. But the future is where we are moving and we can step boldly into it knowing that our Sovereign God is there, leading and directing.
So what does that mean for us?
--God is sovereign. He is in control.
--We can trust God even if things seem difficult or out of control.
--God's ways are often beyond our understanding. (He is God; I am not.)
--What is contrary to what "we want" may be the better thing for us.
Do I understand all that has happened in the last year? No. But I trust the one who does know.
We know that all things work together for good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
