Across the Miles

As I look back on my life, I have come to realize that most of my adventures started when I was not prepared, took me roundabout where I never expected to go, and led me to places I never chose.  Such is a life lived in providence.

The course of study I planned in astronomy turned into theology. The quiet life of a shy, sensitive man became a life of public service in the glare of a church. I never expected to vacation in a sheik’s palace in Egypt or climb the Great Pyramid after midnight. And believe me, I never thought I’d spend a year in Bermuda, or speak to several thousand people on a Sunday morning. All the women I chose as a young suitor didn’t choose me. Ah, but the one God selected said yes and gave me a marriage such as I could never dream, and unique children. And seven amazing grandchildren. Across the years God has brought music into my life, the art of sculpture and painting, humor, laughter, wonder and “that old amaze.”  I never expected to live in a house like this, to have such friends.

Nor did I expect such rejection, betrayal, and meanness. Life can be a lot to take. But it’s all been a real education in the way the world is…and can be.

I suppose most of all I have learned that the Christian life is not all about my plans and carefully seeing that Jesus Christ is properly cajoled into making them happen in a timely way, but rather submitting my life to God and His as yet unknown plans for me, and trusting His will. The long of the short is that Jesus does not exist to make much of me. I exist to enjoy making much of Him.

Jesus taught as much in a garden called Gethsemane. There He simply prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done.” And I agree.

Won’t you join me in the land of Providence?