We’d planned to spend the entire day at the lake as a family. With three teenagers still living at home, each with a different job and work schedule, finding a single day when all of us were available to go to the lake together wasn’t easy. It took planning and determination.
But, by some minor miracle, the stars — and our calendars — aligned. We found a day that worked for all of us. And so we scheduled it, promising that nothing short of Jesus’ return would come between us and the lake.
Finally, the day arrived. We jumped out of bed like kids on Christmas, teenagers and adults alike. With a glance out the window, I noticed the early morning sky boasted the most brilliant blue, not a cloud in sight. Even so, to be certain, I pulled out my phone and double-checked the day’s forecast:
Uh-oh.
Sunshine until noon. Then severe thunderstorms starting at 1:00 pm, lasting throughout the remainder of the day. That meant by the time we packed coolers and beach bags, and then drove to the lake, we’d have only an hour or two to enjoy the sunshine and each other before we’d need to call it a day. Maybe less.
My heart sank with disappointment. Was it worth so much effort if our lake day ended up shortened by storms? Should we wait and see, maybe try for a different day? But I knew that was nearly impossible. And summer was quickly coming to an end.
This left us with a dilemma. Risk it and hope for the best? Or throw in the towel and stay home out of fear of the worst?
After a quick family huddle, we decided to give it a go. Sure, storms would likely blow in, and we might only have an hour or two. But we decided we’d rather enjoy the morning together than miss out on it altogether.
So that’s what we did. We packed up, drove to the lake, and spent an amazing morning tubing and waterskiing and enjoying all kinds of shenanigans on the lake. We saw the clouds begin to roll in late morning, but we didn’t slow our frolicking a bit. We just kept enjoying the time we had, relishing every moment, knowing we had no control over whether or not the rain would come.
Guess what happened?
Nothing. That’s right, nothing. No thunderstorms, no rain. Although we had an hour of overcast skies, the entire storm system moved to the south at the last minute. And the sun came out shining bright on the other side. An ominous forecast turned into a full day of family fun on the lake. And we all looked at each other with faces filled with grins: I’m so glad we didn’t stay home! Today was perfect!
I’ve thought about this a lot since that day. How sometimes you and I allow the forecast of a possible future disappointment to rob us of the goodness of today. Yes, of course, it’s important to use wisdom and discernment when making decisions. And sometimes it’s a far better decision to play it safe and wait for another day, another season, another opportunity.
But far too often we get a glimpse of a potential catastrophe and, as a result, we hole up inside, eyes on the sky, heart tied up in knots, fearful of a future that may or may not happen. A failed relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, a potential rejection, or a professional failure. Desperate to avoid future pain, we also miss out on today’s pleasure — God’s present goodness to us right here, right now, exactly where we are.
I think this is what Jesus meant when He urged us to take our lives one day at a time:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34
Ours is a Father whose posture toward us is love. He is for us, not against us. He is with us, not indifferent towards us. The same God who keeps His eye on the sparrow and the sun, the sea and the squirrel, knows you by name, dear daughter. He sees you, exactly where you are. And although storms will come from time to time, He wants you to trust Him enough for the future to live fully open to His goodness today.
Yes, wisdom may require you to reschedule your day at the lake. But never forget: Put your faith in the Father, not a forecast. And let the unexpected warmth of His countenance shine bright on you today, regardless of what may or may not come tomorrow.
This is so encouraging to me as I am preparing to make a move I don’t know how to make and tend to be a bit paralyzed by it. I’m so thankful the Lord keeps sending me these messages that I need to keep moving forward. It’s going to be worth it. ❤️
Big changes are difficult to navigate, aren’t they? But you’re not alone, friend. He’s with you. <3
Sold in 15 hours had to move out in 11 days God moved me age 74 from 2000 sq ft home of 51 years to 500 sq ft basement.. in another province and had no one to help me. ..just keep your eyes on Jesus and where you are going and Jesus will work it all out. Look at the New adventure as an opportunity to serve Him in another place. Another day to be BLEST and to BE A BLESSING in His kingdom on earth. Praying for you .
I love this! We just experienced a very similar situation last Friday my son and I flew to NJ for our annual family reunion and the main event was boating Friday. The forecast was not looking good but we all decided to pack it up and weather the mistyness. We had a ball, the sun eventually came out there was lots of dancing and laughing and hugs…the weather didn’t stop us thank god and we embraced and had the best day!! God is good!
Sounds like a fantastic day! Yay!
I’m horrible about this…..
Me too. We’re all in progress, but learning so much … Grace is a beautiful thing!
So encouraging. And a great reminder for me. I am a worrier. I love that quote from Matthew. It is one I refer to often but some days it is harder than others to not worry.
When I read Jesus’ words in that verse, I hear such compassion in them. A gift.
Michele,
We worry so much about the potential “what ifs” of situations & most of the time they never happen. Meanwhile we miss out on so much of God’s goodness. I was like that last fall. God changed me from part-time to full-time benefitted at same company Dec, 2021. Last fall that job changed drastically from clerical to mostly stocking 28 ICU rooms. Honestly I was not happy & let everyone know about it. I have done a re-eval of the job & side benefits ie: 3 day weekends each week, overtime, co-workers all like me. The same God who cares for all animals, & plants also knows & deeply cares for me. I just need to take a closer look at His goodness towards me.
Blessings 🙂
“Put your faith in the Father, not a forecast.” Excellent advice. Great story. So glad it worked out for you to spend refreshing time with your family!