Someone Else

At times life seems to be one disappointment after another, and I blame it all on Someone Else.

Someone Else got the house my husband and I fell in love with.

Someone Else got the job I applied for and really wanted.

Someone Else is driving the car I've always wanted.

Someone Else is celebrating a mile stone wedding anniversary that I will never have.

Someone Else is thinner, younger and more attractive.

Someone Else’s list of blessings far out weigh mine.

This morning God shook his finger at me and said, “Shame on you!”  

Through my devotional, Streams in the Desert, by L.B. Cowman, God reminded me not to be anxious over anything. Do not worry over what I am to eat, wear or drink. He knows I have need of these things. In other words, don’t worry about Someone Else.

I could hear His voice. “Haven’t I given you everything you really needed? Haven’t you always had a warm house, food, clothing, friends, and a loving spouse? Does it matter that I chose to give you those things in a manner you didn’t expect, or necessarily choose, as long as I provided them? And if you will only admit it, haven’t my choices been far better than yours? Have I not exceeded your expectations?”

I bowed my head and mumbled, “Yes, Lord, you have."

"And?"

"You have sent many gifts and blessings. You paid my car insurance when it was impossible to do on my own. You paid off debt in ways normally considered impossible.”  I giggled. “I will never forget the time you put the turkey in my sink just in time for dinner."

"And?"

"I remember the rainbows you sent during the storms to remind me of your love and promises. And, the lilies you sent to remind me not to worry or fret over my well being. I do remember, Lord, but I am weak and sometimes give into doubt.”

"Continue."

"Well, now as I reflect, I realize what I do have.”

"I do have a comfortable house filled with treasures accumulated throughout my life.I have always had jobs, and each one has given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge and skill..I have a car, maybe not the one I dreamed of, but it is certainly serviceable – and paid for. I have celebrated wedding anniversaries, maybe not the milestones Someone Else has, but each one was indeed a celebration of time spent in wedded bliss with a man I truly love. I have a healthy body showing only a few ravages from my many ears upon this earth. It may not be as thin, or young as Someone Else’s, but I’ll take the few aches and pains over Someone Else’s devastating health issues.

"I must admit, I have as many blessings as Someone Else, and in many cases, more. And Lord, I must admit one more thing, none of the above matters as much as my relationship with you. It is through You that I exist, and will continue to exist here on earth and in eternity.  You will never forget or abandon me. Even during the darkest moments, you shower me with encouragement, compassion – and hope. 

"So, Lord, I lay all of my worries and concerns at your feet. I choose to float on wings of faith rather than sink into the depths of worry and despair. But, there is just  one more thing, Lord, when I leave this room I am going to see Someone Else with all the before mentioned blessings, and I’ll need your help not to forget mine.”