It had been a rough week. My son had been in the hospital after a hit and run for ten days, undergone two surgeries, and the returned three days after he was finally released because he popped stitches. Next, my bad knee decided not to support me and I fell, jamming a toe and severely spraining my writing hand. I felt angry, useless, and my bruised body now matched my heart.
But through it all, there were God-moments sprinkled in, like a soft misting rain on a hot summer day. I kept humming the new song by Toby Mac- move, keep walking. Lift your head. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX1G71WK-FA
Then, to celebrate the fact we both were well enough to finally go to church, afterwards we went to our favorite local Chinese restaurant. This was the message in my fortune cookie:
A smile is a curve that can get a lot of things straight.
Straighten up. Smile, keep going, shoulders back. These orders, long ago said by parents, teachers and coaches, whispered in my mind. It is all about attitude.
I could have wrung my hands, moaned, “Why me, Lord?”, and shuffled through these events with my head down and shoulders slumped. But, God’s little hugs in the form of serendipity after serendipity (too numerous to mention here), friends’ comments and prayers, and even songs on the radio at just the right moment lifted me. Even through tears and moments of anxiousness, I could find something to smile about.
We all can.
If we can wrap our faith around the concept that God loves us and will walk with us through all the times in our lives, good or bad, then we can retain a joyful spirit even if we are not feeling particularly happy at the time. Mentally and physically exhausted, at the end of my rope time and time again I found a “NOT”. You are not alone. You are not meant to handle this all by yourself. You are not cursed, but blessed.
I feel blessed that God gave me the faith to reach out to Him, and to friends. I don’t have to be strong alone. I don’t have to pull up my big girl panties by myself. I have a Lord who wants to bear my yoke and help me carry the load. Because He provides the strength,I can do it. (Philippians 4:13) I can straighten up and smile.
No matter what curves life throws, we can keep on the straight and narrow. Just move, keep walking. Lift your head…to Jesus. And smile.
Where Did You Find God Today? 