Attitude Check

How well do you deal with disappointment? I must admit that I struggle at times. I trust the Lord and His plan for me, but when things don’t work out exactly as I’d like them to, I have to check my attitude. Recently, my husband and I have been looking for a new place to call home. The house we live in now has been a wonderful place to be over the past two years, but we realize that it is a little bit small for our current needs. I really enjoy gardening and I would love to have a nice sized yard where I could get my hands dirty. Plus, a garage that would fit both of our cars would be nice…not to mention wanting air conditioning to help us through the warm California summers. So, we have been on the hunt.

There have been several homes that looked like possibilities online, but when driving by we could see they weren’t quite right for us. Either they were too big or too small. Too close to the center of town or too far on the outskirts. However, earlier today, I thought that maybe we had found just the right one. It was a modest 3 bedroom home painted in my favorite colors – both inside and out. The yard was not too big to be overwhelming, but just the right size to be able to let my creative juices flow. It was located in an area that we like, had air conditioning,  and even came with a cat if we wanted! (For those of you who know me, you may have heard of my longing for a cat to curl up on my lap again!) However, as with all big decisions, it is important to discuss it, pray about it and then listen for a confirmation from the Lord.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; 

I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8). 

After our discussion and prayer time, my husband pointed out a few very valid points showing that this new place was not the right one for us. Hmmm. I could see them, too, but I didn’t want to. I wanted this house to be “the one”. My hopes were up and I had my heart set on this house. I didn’t want to keep looking, nor did I want to see the negatives about the place. I wanted to sign the papers, pack up our stuff and move right in (adopting the cat, too, of course). Inside, I knew my husband was right in his observations, but that didn’t ease my disappointment. I could feel a mopey attitude forming within me, and that’s not a pretty sight. Then, he had to pull out the “big gun” and remind me that God had the perfect place waiting for us and we shouldn’t jump into something we know isn’t right. We just need to trust God for His timing and plan. (Wow…has Roy been reading my blog?)

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you 

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Though I was excited to “get packing”, in my heart, I know that this new place is not the one God wants for us. It has some great features, but ultimately, I was rushing my decision. I hurried on ahead and pictured myself living there before waiting for God’s answer. And if we run ahead of God and jump into things without listening for His directions, we can get ourselves into bad situations. So now, as I give myself an attitude check, I am asking God to ease my disappointment and help me to stay patient. Waiting on God’s timing can be difficult, but He has proven Himself over and over…even in recent days! So, I am consciously placing my trust in Him! I know He won’t steer us wrong. He has a plan and a place for us, and I am waiting on Him.

Checking my attitude and trusting Him,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5).

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