Consider It Pure Joy!

January 4, 2013

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. . . . " James 1:2-5 NIV

Are you kidding me?  I am supposed to consider it joy when I have to sit in construction traffic for two hours on my way to meet my grandson?  Two hours of waiting, not moving, and I am supposed to chalk it up as joy?

Breathe.  Open up your i-Pad and read or play games.  Talk to your husband.  Breathe again.  You'll see.  I am there for you.

I did.  I played, and talked, and breathed, and read, and breathed some more.  The sun went down on the snowy Texas roadway.  I was glad to be in a heated car.  The company was good.  My husband and I enjoy time together.  We know how to be quiet together, even in a long line of semis and holiday travelers.  We know how to laugh and entertain one another with memories.  Two hours was not unbearable.  But when the trial was over darkness had settled and we were ready for a motel room.  We pulled in to the first motel.

No room.

We pulled into the second motel.  Husband went to inquire while I waited in the locked car.  Time passed.  The car grew chilly.  I pulled on a jacket and waited hopefully.  Husband returned saying that we had gotten the next to the last room.  "The manager said that the rooms are filling up because the power is still out closer to Little Rock.  We are lucky to have a room."

It wasn't luck.  It was grace.  Two hours waiting in holiday and construction traffic had slowed us down just enough to keep us in a place where there was a room available.  Consider it pure joy!  Grace poured down on these holiday travelers.   Thank you, Lord, for your Presence and protection.  Thank you for grace, even in the waiting.  I am beginning to learn to consider it pure joy when I experience trials.