Disappointed & Blessed

Months ago, I heard about an event that was going to take place at James Madison University--former president Jimmy Carter was scheduled to speak at the university on the subject of Mid East peace. Since I'm a COMPLETE news/ politics/ government junkie, this event was right up my alley. Plus, I had never seen a president speak live before, so it was pretty exciting. One of my friends, whom I haven't seen in a long time, was also scheduled to go with me and I was very excited since it was close to his birthday and I knew he would enjoy the intellectual atmosphere of this event.

Sunday night, my friend called to say that he couldn't make it. I was SO bummed and disappointed, but I understood his family obligations. So, I quickly searched for someone else to take the ticket. I found another friend and off we went, though I was a bit disappointed since the evening hadn't played out exactly as I had hoped.

Monday night, while waiting for Jimmy to speak, we got to talking and I quickly realized through our conversation that this was a God-opportunity. It was a chance for me to really listen to my friend and give them godly advice. My disappointment was turned into excitement as I realized that the Lord had given me a ministry out of my disappointment.

We are SO human! How often do we complain about the disappointments of life without thinking about their potential divine purposes? How many times is that traffic jam a blessing so that we won't end up in an accident? What about the slow service at a restaurant so we have more time to talk to our dining companions? And was that argument that you got into with your family member or friend perhaps was and opportunity to learn more about them, how they communicate, and their heart? Do we search for the blessing in disappointment? Most of the time no, but I submit that we would be better people, better Christians, if we did.