Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. I had hoped to have the final study notes up here last week or (since it was Holy Week leading up to Easter) in the worst case have them up by yesterday. Then life happened.
I was rear ended on my way to drop off my daughter at daycare a week ago Monday (thankfully no one was hurt, and my daughter didn’t even get upset). My grandfather (whose been facing increasing health challenges) wound up in hospital a few days later. This past Tuesday morning I washed my face and when I went to put my glasses back on they broke in half.
But in between, I was given a little lesson when I took the kids out for lunch as a treat on the Saturday of Easter weekend. Both kids were super happy, because they got this on top of doing their Easter egg hunt that morning. My son declared it ‘the best day ever!’ Then he knocked over his iced tea.
Suddenly it was the worst day ever. I empathized with him first and then tried to put it in perspective. “That’s very disappointing and upsetting. But look, you already drank half of it and there’s still some left. And think about all the other good things that happened today. Try not to let one bad thing ruin a great day. Focus on the good.” Well he wasn’t having it, at least not for the next 20-30 minutes (he eventually cheered up later).
When I got home and told Elaine about it, it got me thinking about how often I’m like my 5 year old when something goes wrong. Suddenly, all I can focus on is the problem in front of me and it seems a whole lot bigger than all the other good things in life. So this Easter the lesson for me has been for me to count my blessings.
No one was hurt in the fender bender, everyone handled the situation with grace and my car will be fixed. I still have a grandfather in my life at the age of 35, and he’s getting excellent care right now. I had a wonderful Easter with family and my church. During Easter Sunday service my son showed what a wonderful kid he is by keeping a toddler company when he wandered up and sat on the steps of the platform (he even gave the little guy a hug). And my glasses waited until after Easter before deciding to come apart.
And most of all, I am loved by my Creator and Redeemer. I am saved by his Son who died to set us free, and lives to bring life to all the world. And I am blessed and strengthened by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave.
So the final Gospel of Mark notes should be up here in a week. In the mean time, I’m counting my blessings.
House and Sanctuary 