Did any of you expect you would have a life free of problems?  I think when I was very young I assumed when I grew up my life would be so much better.  I could do whatever I wanted, no one would be telling me what I could and couldn’t do or should or shouldn’t do.  I was free to make all my own decisions, spend my money on what I wanted and the world was my oyster.  Then “adulting” commenced and has continued now for about 45 years.  It isn’t all I had dreamed it would be.  Imagine that!

As my life unfolded, it seems I couldn’t do whatever I wanted as I had a profession that required I be there at specific times and do my job to the best of my ability. I was able to make someof my own decisions, but my employer determined some of that as well.  My family also took a great deal of my energy and often determined how I would be spending my time and even more so, my money.  I quickly realized I could not do everything I wanted to do nor could I spend my money on anything I wanted.  Adulting was even more demanding than childhood.

Being a responsible grownup also included many things over which I had no control.  Often it seemed that life was just one problem after another.  In one week this summer my dishwasher stopped working, my air conditioner started leaking, my husband had hip surgery and my renters could not pay their rent on time.  It was enough to make me want to throw up my hands and question whether God was really looking out for me.

When I examined the issues that occurred in that one week, I began to feel a bit guilty.  I should have felt fortunate I had a dishwasher to wash my dishes and air conditioning to cool my house.  I should have thanked God we have the resources for my husband to have his needed hip surgery.  The renters not paying their rent on time created an issue, but it was rectified as well.

 While I would have liked the problems to be spread out a little more, I got through them and I understood this is the way the world works.  We were never promised a life without problems. However, in John 16:33 we find these comforting words.  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.

I also find hope in the words of the beautiful hymn, Amazing Grace.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.

‘Tis grace that brought us safe this far and grace will lead us home.

My life is not all I dreamed it would be.  It has been even better!  I loved my career and even more I love my family and would not have traded that for all the free time or money in the world.  The Lord has been with me every step of the way. I could do without the appliance problems, but when they work, they’re great!  I have been indeed blessed and thank God for all he does for me.  God is good all the time!

Patty