Appreciating Disappointment

Devotional for Saturday, May 23, 1998 by Mary Daniel

Thirteen of us from our volunteer group had been looking forward to attending a workshop with great anticipation. This was going to be such a great experience. This one was going to offer us new tools, more answers, enable us to help others even more. It was expensive, but this was a workshop not to be missed.

We piled into four cars and headed for the half hour journey. Some of us had not had the opportunity to spend that much time together for quite a long time, so there was a certain excitement in the air. Our destination happened to be in a church, and as we entered, it just seemed sort of "right". The introduction and first ten minutes seemed to re-inforce our initial thoughts. However, it soon became evident that the presenters were completely unprepared; they were "winging it" and losing badly. There was much repetition and little substance. The day went from bad to worse until finally, by the last break, quite a few of us chose not to continue. We were deflated and terribly disappointed.

There was, however, quite a lot for which to be thankful. We made it to and from the workshop safely. We learned what not to do should we ever put on a workshop. We had all that precious time together, and enjoyed some good laughs on the way home.

There is something else which came to mind also. God must surely look forward with anticipation to what we will do with the lives he has given us. When each new little soul emerges, He gives that soul certain tools, certain gifts to share with and teach others. What of the times when we disappoint Him; the times when we let Him down, when we don't present ourselves the way He would have us perform? We are so blessed that He doesn't walk out on us, that we need only ask His forgiveness and we are able to begin anew. God is always in attendance at our life's "workshop". May we ensure that He knows it is worthy of His presence.

Prayer: We thank you Lord, for your unfailing "attendance" in our lives. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

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