Fair?

by Michele Boy | September 5, 2024

It’s time for the State Fair!
This year looks incredibly different from last year. I am actually shocked we even get to go.
  As our daughter transitions to junior high, more hands are necessary to keep going. Her practices run early and late. Sometimes homework, studying, eating, and resting take priority. 
 But we made a decision to let her try all the different opportunities available. 
We are blessed with both opportunities and challenges. 
  After long days of school and practices, she has to work at the barn. 
 That’s okay. Dreams cost. 
We often hear a lot on social media, in the news, about fairness. This isn’t fair, that isn’t fair.  That is the truth. 
There is a quote from the television show House that says, “If you are looking for fair, you picked the wrong species.”
I laugh but it is true. 
 But I also believe that whatever your eyes see, isn’t always what is going on behind the scenes. 
We have many opportunites but we also have challenges. I believe everyone does. 
  I can  look at someone’s life and think they have more. Maybe it’s more money, larger family, more memories. 
But that doesn’t create a meaningful life. 
Our job is to take what we are given and make the most of it. 
If you are blessed to live another day, do you stop to say thank you?
   As I mentioned last week, some challenges this year have felt like an ocean wave rising over us and trying to drown us. 
 But as I draw closer to God, I remember these challenges make us stronger. And while we don’t always understand, we remember we are learning and growing. Just like muscles that are sore after a heavy workout, our minds and bodies tend to fatigue as well. 
  I have a tendency to look back with regrets of life situations and choices. Hindsight is 20/20 right? 
Looking back to see how far you have come can be good. 
Looking back to see what we can learn from mistakes is also beneficial. But staring and sulking at past situations is pointless. 
 You are here now. Where do you go from here?  
  What is that saying, If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans?
  None of my plans worked out this year the way I saw them. However we had some major wins I never saw coming. And they were equlaed with major challenges. 
 But I hope the lesson we teach our daughter is don’t stop and don’t give up. 
  I guess I am learning that too. 
  I saw a cartoon where two men were digging through a cave. One was just about to break through to the light when he gave up. The other kept digging despite being farther away.
 
  We are headed to the state fair today, Thursday. 
 My prayer is for safe travels, a little fun, a little work, and some good memories. 
 What are your plans? 
The last couple weeks I have been pondering over drawing closer to God. 
  Seeking Him is invaluable because the road is everchanging. And the obstacles are unique. 
  Sometimes I am absolutely sure this is God’s will. Other times, I wonder if I am on the right road, if I am being punished, if it is time to move in a new direction, or if this is a character building exercise.
And sometimes there are supernatural forces trying to get us to quit. 
  There is a quote from the movie The Ususal Suspects, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist’”
  Drawing closer to God. Discernment comes from Him alone. And sometimes I will get it wrong. 
  I am grateful today for His love, grace, and mercy. And I pray today that those reading this will discover His peace.