I sought the LORD and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. —Psalm 34:4 (CEB)
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If we’ve worked together on any project you know I’m a perfectionist. I also really like things done my way. This applies to pretty much every aspect of my life (except maybe house cleaning … but that’s another story). I put a lot of time and emotional energy into ensuring my family’s life runs smoothly and my girls have fun activities and enriching experiences.
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So when something comes along to muck up my carefully planned schedule, it is UNWELCOME.
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Jane’s broken arm a week and a half before her sixth birthday, a week before her long-planned trampoline birthday party: UNWELCOME.
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But there’s room for unwelcome, even in such an ordeal. We were given the gift of more down time and more snuggles. We had an even more fun party without the risk to her arm and a very happy birthday girl. And we gained an appreciation of our family’s health, knowing we could return to life-as-we-know-it in a few months’ time despite the setback.
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While I will never welcome an injury to either daughter, I can reflect on the good to come out of even bummer situations.
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Father, give us eyes to see the blessings even in the unwelcome events that come our way. Help us make space in our hearts for you as we continue our Advent journey this year. Amen.
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Mari Walker