The Right Time

Though the incident happened years ago, I remember it as if it was last week. After a hectic few days, my husband and I were eager to escape the demands of life for an afternoon of sailing. It was our favorite recreation. We had a small sailboat we pulled on a trailer to a lake about 50 miles from our home. That morning, just as we were ready to leave the house, a friend showed up. He needed help with a project. It only took a few minutes, and we were glad to help, but thus began a series of 5 and 10 minute delays and interruptions. With each assault against our plans, we became increasingly frustrated and irritable.

Finally, after what turned out to be just more than an hour, we were on our way. It was our routine on sailing days to grab lunch at the one fast food restaurant near the lake. The drive-in restaurant was of the design that patrons ordered from speakers and ate in their cars. However, because we pulled a trailer with our sailboat we always parked off to the side where there was no speaker, so my husband then went inside to order our food. This day, when we arrived at the restaurant, the entrance was blocked by two police cars with lights flashing. I don’t fully understand the scientific explanation for what happened, but about an hour earlier a sudden micro burst, or very localized tornado had picked up the heavy metal roof over the speakers and set it down to the side at precisely the spot where my husband and I would have been parked in our open convertible if we had been able to get there according to our planned schedule, without all the delays.

That experience taught me there is always more to a situation than what I can see.

The delays made no sense to us when we were going through them. They were frustrating. However, when we saw what we missed because of the delays, we were grateful that the timing of the day’s events was beyond our control.

Remembering that day has shaped my perspective on delays, interruptions and changed plans. Rather than irritation, I instead find myself wondering if the interference to my plans is sparing me from some greater difficulty. When I experience setbacks or frustrating circumstances I don’t understand, I have learned to focus my thoughts on what I do understand–on the things I know to be true. I know that God is sovereign. He is good. His ways are not our ways, but His ways are perfect. Our times are in His hands. And those who hope in Him will not be disappointed.

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:14, 15a (NIV)

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.

Blessings,
Phyllis

Copyright 2022 Phyllis L. Farringer