Blindsided

Living in this world should have taught me by now that walking along a path freely and pleasantly will most often ALWAYS have a moment when I am blindsided by something not so pleasant.  Why am I surprised by anything?  Why do I not learn to expect darts and arrows along the pleasant path, blindsiding me, hitting me from behind, or jumping out at me from a bush along the path?  What is my problem with not learning to enjoy the path while also knowing, with no doubt, that something ugly will jump out at me eventually?  If I would enjoy my journey with this inner knowledge, I could chuckle at whatever creature tries to surprise me or make me wet my britches in fear!

This past couple of weeks have held events that have been those type of blindsiding moments.  Of course, my usual reaction is upset, agitated spirit, fear.  Silly, immature me.  These upsets are mere reminders to me of my low grade in this art class ...this learning the art of being still before God. Knowing He is God.  None of the fiery darts sent my way surprise Him.  He already has plans to use the fire to mold and shape me, to forge into me the image of Jesus. 

I admit to being weary of the heat.  Its constancy is not friendly to me.  Though, even as I type that, I have this sense of the heavenly Father saying, "Gayle, that fiery dart does not seem friendly, but it will do you much good, eventually, if you let me deal with it in your life."

Do you ever get those little whispers from God that make you say, "Really?  Are you sure?  'Cuz this isn't looking too good right now."  

But, yep, that is what I'm hearing.  I even cleaned out my ears to make certain. 

Being blindsided....surprised by outer forces thrust upon you when you least expect them....I want to learn to expect these things to happen in this fallen world; to not let them knock me off my foundation of strength in Jesus.  I want to always seek God in the face of these immediate flashes of frustration.  When I am in difficult situations, I want to seek the Father. When I am delighted in life, I want to praise Him.  When I am in pain, I want to trust Him.  In every moment, I want to worship Him and thank Him.  (Thank you, Terry Gillen, for these thoughts on God.)

Good thing God does not give failing grades to His children in this classroom of life, in this training ground of stillness before Him.  His patience and mercy over me,, as He observes me walking my journey, are such gifts to me.  I get goosebumps when I really sit and ponder how abundantly those two gifts are poured over and over me, soothing me, loving me, calming me.  Wow, God.  You are 'cha'mazing', as my Phillip would say.

A precious friend recently told me to learn to laugh at the unexpected..make it expected so that I CAN laugh.  A hearty chuckle at the insanity of the shape, size, smoke and whizbang noises the fiery darts take on as they head my way.  Be ready, duck outta the way, laugh as they 'whiz' on by...say, 'Yep, that was a new one...wow!', or, 'Dang, never saw that one coming...INCOMING!', or, 'Yep, just as I suspected...it happened.', or, 'Really?  How lame!'

I'll get better with age, I'm sure.  But, just exactly how old do I have to get?  Hmmmm. 

Love to all...expect the unexpected...you won't be so surprised and agitated.  Especially when you know WHOM has the direction of the fiery arrow in his sight, and He will care for you as it flies.