For such a time as this

 The internet is a wonderful tool for finding old friends. She looked me up on facebook. I'm always excited to see "friend request" on my page. How wonderful to reconnect with old friends. As I read her message and clicked on her name I had great fun looking at pictures of her three kids. Kids who were teenagers when I last saw them. All three are grown and married now. 

One a successful photographer with two kids of her own.  Another a worship minister who has recently become a father for the first time.  The youngest, who was my son's best friend in the first grade is enjoying his dream job of being a band director. He just married a few weeks ago.

She said she was happy to see that I am still hanging out with God (I have a bible verse on my page) and that I am still with the same guy. (many other friends have divorced over the years). She wrapped up her message with "Life is good", how are things with you? 

Talk about a loaded question!  Yes, still hanging out with God, as a matter of fact He is on my speed dial these days! Yes, still with the same fella. He has been a rock for me. Yes life is good .... but. 

 After a few days I managed to send a reply and summarize the events of the last few months. Events that include a prodigal son, heroin, the police, and incarceration. I can only imagine how it was received. I haven't heard back from her yet. She is probably still trying to come up with words to say. I realize there just aren't many.

While I was thrilled to hear they are all well and happy this event did push me right into the "why me" river of self pity. It's an unforgiving river. Much like whitewater rapids it can smash you into rocks or suck you under before you know it. If you spend too much time in it it will undoubtedly send you over the falls of hopelessness and despair. 

As I was thrashing about in the river I reached out for a branch to help myself out. I picked up a wonderful daily devotional book that my pastor gave me several months ago. Here is an excerpt from that day's reading.

  .... Do not compare yourself with others, who seem to skip along their life - paths with ease. Their journeys have been different from yours, and I have gifted them with abundant energy. I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presence. Accept this gift as a sacred treasure .......

For such a time as this. Perfect words at just the right time. 

The God of the universe took a moment to reach out and pull me from the river. I gratefully accept the gift.