Trust, Be Thankful, and Wait

   The 4th day of our recent cruise was to be a stop in Waterford, Ireland. As we sailed from Cork toward this destination, the weather was causing concern to the captain. It was not a bad storm.but the swells were running high, and the forecast was similar for the next day. We were to anchor out in the bay of the port and go ashore in the smaller tender boats, and the seas were not good for that.

   In the morning of the next day, the captain came on the intercom once more, informing the passengers that the ship would not be stopping at Waterford, but continuing on to Dublin where we would dock the next morning on schedule.

   Our itinerary had called for a stop, but these times were not in our hands. The captain had made the decision and what could we do about that? In fact, the weather had made the decision, and everyone on board had to go along.

   What choices did I have? I could decide how I would take the news. I could be upset at missing a port of call. I could trust that the decision was the best for me. I could look for what the new day, and its sailing, would bring for me. In short, it was my choice of attitude that could affect that whole day.

   Psalm 31:15, in the reading for today, says:

   "My times are in Your hand;"

   In truth, they are. They are not in mine. The only part of my day that is somewhat under my control is how I react to my circumstances.

   There is another verse in Psalms from this morning…Psalms 13:5:

   "But I have trusted in Your mercy;
    My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation."

   What two attitudes does God want me to have?

   Trust and Thanks

   This is an active trust, not just a "whatever will be, will be" kind. It is a trust that He knows what we are going through and has our best in mind for the outcome of it all. It is also a thanksgiving that He is in control, and we can rely on his goodness and grace.

   So what do we do when our plans change?

   Waiting is not all bad either.