Dealing With Disappointment
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”
It was hot that mid July afternoon as Grandpa and I came in from loading our big red pickup. He had his arm over my shoulder as we talked about the camping trip we would be leaving for in the morning. This was going to be special as we were going alone. Bertha was helping our church with Vacation Bible School and Bella and Cyclone were both attending. I would have enjoyed VBS but Grandpa needs someone to stay with him to make sure he is well. He also needs help do the camp chores.
As Grandpa's partner and an experienced camper, I am getting pretty good at that.
After taking off our shoes we walked from the garage into the living room. Grandpa said he would sure like a cold glass of tea. I thought that was a great idea as I was hot and dry also. I prefer lemonade so I offered to go get him his tea while I got a drink for myself. When I went into the kitchen I saw Bertha had dinner started. It is not unusual to see Bertha and Bella in there at that time of day, but where was Grandma?
Bertha saw me open the refrigerator and get out the tea. She asked if I needed a hand with anything. I told her, "Grandpa and I would like a cold drink. We have been working hard outside. We are just about ready to leave for camp in the morning." She poured out our drinks, but before she handed them to me she said, "Before you go anywhere I think you need to look in on Grandma and have a talk with her and Grandpa."
When I got into the living room Grandpa was nowhere around and neither was Grandma. Cyclone was watching TV so I asked where Grandpa went. He said, "He went to the bedroom to see Grandma." It still did not dawn upon me that something was wrong even though maybe it should have. I took a sip from my glass and sat it down on the coffee table. I gave Cyclone the stink eye and told him to leave our drinks alone as we would be right back. Cyclone acted like he wanted my juice but it was just to tease me. He sat back and continued to watch his cowboy show.
When I got back to the bedroom I saw Grandpa and Bella talking to Grandma as she lay on the bed. "What is wrong," I asked? Bella answered, "Grandma started feeling weak, dizzy, and a little nauseated about an hour ago. Grandpa is trying to figure out if she should be taken to the doctor." He and Grandma were convinced she had a stomach flu.
Suddenly, everything I had seen and heard since coming in to the house made sense. No wonder Bertha was in the kitchen alone. I knew our dinner was in good hands, but what about my Grandma? Would she be well soon? I told Grandma that I loved her and wanted her to get well right away. Then I said about the dumbest thing I could have come up with. "I hope you are all well by tomorrow morning as Grandpa and I need to leave for camp real early."
Grandma weakly responded with, "I will try. I know how important this campout is for you."
"Thank you Grandma" I replied. "I am going into the piano room and pray for you right now." Grandma smiled and said she loved me.
Then Grandpa picked me up and said he would go with me to pray also. Then he asked Bella to join us and let Grandma get some rest.
After we all prayed, Grandpa sat down on the piano bench and picked up Bella and me. "We will not be leaving for camp tomorrow. We need to be patient and let Grandma get well on God's schedule. Our first and greatest concern right now is for Grandma. She may need to go to the doctor. She will certainly need some help until she is well.'"
At that moment I started to cry, but it was not for Grandma. Disappointment just flooded all through me. I had waited for months for this trip. It meant so much to me and now this happened.
“Why did God let this happen right now?” I asked of no one in particular.
"Blizzy," Grandpa answered, "God uses these things to strengthen and grow our faith. I do not always know why things happen the way they do, but if there is anything I have learned, it is to trust God at all times."
At that I realized I was being selfish again, and that God was growing His little blue pillow in our piano room. This is the place where Grandma has made so much beautiful Christian music. But at the moment the room was quiet except for what Grandpa had to say.
Let me share with you the scripture Grandpa shared with Bella and me.
II Corinthians 1: 3-5 says: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."
Friends, it is not "if" we have disappointments in life, but rather “when”, and how they come. In a God honoring way it is for us to learn to deal with them. God loves you and will guide you if you put your trust in Him. In the end you will grow spiritually and be greatly blessed while you keep focused on the Lord.
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