Saturday Smiles Dieciseis

Throughout the week, I have contemplated today's post and tried to seek out how God has brought a smile to my life. And though He has touched me in a very positive way this past week, the more touching things in life this week are not so full of happiness and joy. 

Wednesday in particular turned out to be a day of questioning, shock, and struggle to understand. First a co-worker, AT, shared that her ex-husband was headed to the hospital for possible bleeding in his head after a car accident on Tuesday. She shared today that he really does not know who most people are and is dealing with some memory loss. They have a young child together, and the thought of JT losing his father no matter how close they are is very sad. Praying for his healing and for all the family during this time of uncertainty.

Then Wednesday evening after a nice semi-hill workout and shower, I headed over to church for the young professionals gathering and found the youth minister in his office. Since I had not had time to check Facebook, I was unaware of the afternoon happenings until he shared that the haunted house/maze had been cancelled. The fire marshal did an inspection of the building and determined that it was not to code for a haunted house because there was no sprinkler system along with a few other items. The disappointment for the youth who work hard to put it together and for all the kids and others looking forward to attending is very disheartening. It was with great sadness that I had to share with folks that it was no longer. Not only is it a fun event for all involved, it was also a huge fundraiser for youth ministries and a wonderful community event.

But as I sent to the youth minister on Thursday...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ….. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:2-4, 12)

We will persevere over trials and evil. The Lord does not give us anything that we cannot handle as long as we stay focused on Him and not fall into the temptations of evil, which is not easy.

Both of these situations provides us with experiences to help us recenter and focus on our true walk with the Father, to remember those we love and care, to stay strong even in times of trials, and to cherish even the little things in life, not worrying about small things or even some big things in life.

How has God touched your life this week?  Don't forget to check out a Journal of a Nobody's Saturday Smiles.