Anybody who is completely honest can appreciate this statement. At the same time, while we recognize the truth of it, many times we forget ourselves, and think that if such-and-such happened we would just be 100% happy for the other individual, with no thought to ourselves whatsoever. A grand way to live, and attainable...but only in Jesus.
My sister has wanted to go to Young Disciple Bible Camp in Walla Walla, WA. I wholeheartedly supported her wanting to go. I knew she would receive great spiritual blessings, and it would be her first extended trip away from her home and family-a great time to grow.
Yet I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a bit selfish, maybe even a bit envious. When your sister has become your virtual caretaker (Mom works three nights a week, and sleeps during the day) and is really the only friend you see in person on a daily basis, it's difficult not to want to be a hog. And, if one succumbs to studying outward circumstances, it's hard not to be jealous.
We continued to pray about her going, and even though I failed at times, I sought to think and speak positive things about the matter. It helped, and I began to think I was really OK. Washington was out of the question apparently, but we knew GOD could work a miracle if He so desired. The mother of a mutual friend had called to talk to my mom about the situation, and agreed, I believe, to pray about it. Then she called again to tell Mom about Piedmont Valley Bible Camp. Z. and I checked it out, but it seemed like a no-go because one needed to have paid a good amount of the fee by May 19. We told this to Mom, but later *Lynn's* mother called and said they were still accepting applicants, a late fee would just be required. As well, if there were enough counselors for the boys at the camp, Lynn and some other friends (one of whom was a boy) would switch going to that camp instead of Walla Walla. The miracle we had prayed for seems to be occurring right before our eyes, praise GOD!
Truly, praise Him. I tried to focus simply on this thought, but found it difficult, and I ended up crying. Of course, my mother was able to ascertain half the reason why (the latter of the two issues mentioned previously), but not all of it. However, when I told her she said my feelings were "understandable" and "valid". Maybe so, but that doesn't mean it's right!
I know I still have work ahead of me as far as being entirely joyous for someone else. I'm not perfect at that, but by GOD's grace, one day I hope to be. In the meantime, one thing consoles me. My Heavenly Father, Who is so kind and gracious as to give Zelda this gift, is not negligent of His other children in the least; nor would He give her something special only to have it cause the grief or hurt for the rest of us. Whenever He gives a blessing to one, He has something in store for the other. He is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20) for each of us. It may not be what they want, or even pleasant at the time, but whatever it is will prove to be as much a blessing in the end for us as our brother's will be for him-or in this case, sister's. It will be what we have wanted, could we see as He does, from beginning to end.
With the knowledge of such a Father in mind, why should we stoop to be selfish? We shouldn't! 1 Peter 5:7 says that "He careth" for us, and Jesus says that the Father knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Farther along He says that if He cares for the lilies, how much more will He care for us? We are counseled not to worry nor consider what will be provided, what will be our lot, but to simply seek to do His will each day as it comes, and we will be all right. (vv. 28-34). The rest is in His hands.
What, then, prevents us from following the admonition of Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice"? Nothing, if we choose to believe it!
Blessings,
Jean L.
No comments:
Post a Comment