A Trodden Way

A week ago I was shuffling, sorting and yes, even shredding, old papers that I thought I no longer have a need for.  Some were old financial documents, others of a much more personal nature.  By personal I mean truly personal, not just personal facts.  Among these were notes or letters from friends, family and even a few acquaintances.  Re-reading the sentiments of those I consider close to me was encouraging and affirming.

It is always fulfilling to be reminded of some one’s love for us, even if that person and us are not as close as we used to be.  Or, maybe we are close but life has gotten in the way.  Different paths, different circumstances, sometimes very different responses to life’s similar circumstances.

While I was basking in the love, I came across a not so lovely group of papers. My hand impulsively moved  in the direction of that shredder!  Just as instantly, I realized I was being challenged. I paused for several seconds and realized I was questioning my own genuineness as well as the sincerity of others. 

 I was questioning Providence’s perfect power and love. Hmmm, this event seemed familiar to me.  Almost like a da ja vue, but not quite so vague like :”did this really happen?”  But more of: “I know I have done this before” and then in that pausing, like we all do in a da ja vue it came to me.  The good and the bad, sorting through life’s issues, this is what we do.  We hold on to some and let go of others.  How sad that we immediately want to hang on to the good and throw out the bad as if it never happened at all. 

I love Providence.  I suppose it’s instinctive to try to forget the bad or painful moments of our lives, but they are just as important to us in our sanctification process as the good or positive moments are.  Even the reminders of those times/people can help us to see the hand of Providence and how it has moved to our good and His glory!  This is one of the mysterious ways of God.  Instead of being fearful of this these days I am learning to embrace the mystery as an adventure.

Ah ha!  I have “been there done that”! The last time I was tempted to get rid of those reminders of painful experiences I came across this Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

“Consider the work of God:  For who can make straight what He has made crooked?  In the day of prosperity be joyful.  But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other.”

What perfect peace comes from knowing that God is in control of the good the bad and the ugly…He is working through it all to our good and His glory for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)  So the next time you’re tempted to run away from or even shred those reminders of the painful moments/persons in your life consider this “surely God has appointed the one as well as the other”.