Unexpected Events Often Make the Memories

Last Saturday some family members came to town and we decided to have lunch down at English Park.  It is right by the river and we usually enjoy seeing the boats go by.  We decided to pick up some “fast food” and head to the  park.  Right before we left home, my sister asked, do you think it is going to rain?  I replied that it is not supposed to rain until late this evening.  

We had just gotten to the park and sat down to eat when we noticed the sky getting dark and everybody else packing up to leave.  One person felt a rain drop and then another and then another, just as we started to eat.  It did not take but a few seconds to decide that we had to head for some shelter.  Before we got there, it started to pour down.  We all got soaked as the wind started blowing and the rain kept coming down.   

As we tried to dry off and eat what was left of our food I just thought, we will remember this picnic.  Most likely we will remember it as the picnic where we got rained out and then laugh about it.   

That is the way life is.  The unexpected trials and triumphs are the things we remember.  We don’t usually remember the picnics where everything turned out great.  While we want things to be smooth sailing, the fact is life would be boring if everything turned out the way we thought it would or should.   

The Bible speaks of trials producing patience, James 1.  Romans 5 links together tribulations, perseverance, character, and hope, in verses 3 and 4.  So the next time you face unexpected hurdles or trials and get discouraged or flustered, just look forward to the memories you are building.  You will look back at those events with a laugh or a smile and talk about the “good old days” or appreciate the lessons you learned. 

-- Dennis Tucker