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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: CHECKING IN OR OUT (hotel/motel on vacation) (08/27/15)
Last week, my granddaughter and I rode down to the beach with some friends. We checked in, spent most of the first day by the pool and had a grand time. I was feeling like I was on top of the world. You know the thrill!
Later, after I had my evening shower, I curled up with my smart phone in hand enjoying the ability to connect on Facebook. I have many friends that post uplifting pictures and comments. I like scrolling and reading their posts. However, on this day the first thing I noticed was a posted picture of my daughter in law with her mom and my grandson. Tears stung the back of my eyelids and I could not stop the flow. I momentarily wanted to check out!
I had invited my family that lives in Maryland to meet us at the beach but they declined saying, it was the weekend before school started and they simply would not have time. Yet, here was their picture on Facebook with her mom in Virginia. I felt completely alone and abandoned as I’ve felt many times over the past two years.
You see, my husband of thirty years transitioned to glory a little over two years ago, leaving me alone with all my doubts and fears. I guess you might say that this tiny incident caused me to go into a meltdown of doubting and pouting. These episodes, though unwelcome actually allow me to be miserable because I am alone and to cry because I think my family spends more time in Virginia than in North Carolina. Well, hello, Virginia is half the distance! Then, I start wondering if things would be any different if my husband was still alive. In reality, probably not!
The next morning, I opened God’s word to Isaiah 45:7 which reads, “I am the one who creates the light and makes the darkness. I am the one who sends good times and bad times. I, the LORD am the one who does these things.” Verse 5 reads, “I am the LORD. There is no other God!”
What an eye opener these verses were for me! Upon realizing my human frailties, I asked my heavenly Father to forgive me for allowing circumstances to rule my heart and create deep sadness—for feeling like the wrong person had died. For resenting the fact that everyone offers accolades to the deceased but tend to forget the feelings of those left behind. I guess everybody is a nobody until they die. Then everybody remembers the good that we did because it makes living with the loss easier. But does it really? Isn’t it easier for us to have a pity part with that mentality?
“It’s not for us to ponder of even question why. But to trust in God’s plan and be ready when we die.” Alas, my own words in playback mode from Mediocrity to Maturity, A Journey from Despair to Repair.
And so for today and everyday going forward, I choose to hold onto this truth—that no matter how I feel, the truth is; God loves me! I am still here for a purpose and He has a plan for my life. I choose to hold tightly to His promises, to trust God and leave the consequences up to Him.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
09/03/15
Very profound commentary this introspective and truthful piece. We're all prone to human feelings because we live in this flesh body, but sooner of later...God will always speak to us, as He did so wisely with His passage to you.

You touched my heart with your story.

May God bless you abundantly~
Rachel Rudd
09/03/15
Thank you for sharing thiis devotional. Your joy and then frustration are very evident in the first part through your writing style. If I could make one suggestion, then it might be good to save the exclamation marks for certain expressions of emotion. I do really like your choice of vocabulary, like accolades, that make the piece that much more interesting.
Judy Sauer 
09/03/15
Betrayal is a bitter pill to swallow. Gratefully, your MC turned to the true source of everlasting life: Our Heavenly Father. Keep writing.
Amy Gaudette 
09/05/15
This story really touched my heart. God bless you, and may you always know you are never alone.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/08/15
Oh I related right away. I did a story about this topic earlier this year for a challenge. My daughter lives right next to her in-laws and the other grandmother gets to babysit every day. I really work on my jealousy issues. I give it to Jesus one day, only to wake up the next day and yank it back. I so related to your MC and wanted to reach through the screen and hug her.

Many writers will hear do more showing and less telling. While your piece is good, it's almost all telling. Add some body language, dialog, and thoughts to do more showing. For example: , When I spotted the picture of my daughter-in-law and my grandson hanging out with her mother, I dropped the phone and clutched my bubbling stomach. Tears filled my eyes. I don't understand. She said she couldn't come see me because she wanted to relax before school started. I can't believe she lied to me. If my husband were still alive..."

As I reread your piece, I did notice you did some nice showing with phrases like tears stung the back of my eyelids. I would urge you to do even more of that. I know my example might not be a perfect fit, but I wanted to show you what I mean. Also, try to reserve exclamation points for dialog. Instead, let your words do your exclaiming.

I like how God spoke to you in the end. He is so wonderful that way. Your Bible verse was a great fit too. You have a wonderful message in there, and it's a reminder that I need often. I will write down gems on my windows like the ones in your story to remind me God has a purpose for me. Nice job.
Robyn Harbour
09/09/15
I loved the last sentence. We definitely need to trust God and leave the consequences up to Him. Well written.