My parents lent our minivan to family members so that they could go on a family outing to the beach. When the car arrived back home, I needed to rearrange some things in the car. When I opened up the tailgate, I saw there was some sand on the carpeting. I did not want the sand to spread and make a bigger area to clean up. So, I retrieved a dust pan and hand broom, hoping I would be able to sweep up the sand without having to use the heavy vacuum cleaner.
When my family members saw me with the dust pan and small broom and subsequently saw the sand in the back of the van, they immediately started apologizing for the mess. I was perplexed by their apologies. I think my family thought I would be mad about the small mess. Anger or bad thoughts were the farthest thing from my mind. The van went to the beach. The van now has some souvenir sand on the carpet. No big deal. I would have been shocked if the van would have come back in perfect, pristine condition. I was just silently praying clean-up was going to be simple.
With a few quick flicks of the broom, the dry sand easily swept up into the dust pan. I smiled. “Hallelujah for dry sand! I don’t have to get the vacuum cleaner.” In my head, I am doing a happy dance. A few steps from the van were some bushes conveniently located to receive a dusting of fresh sand. Once the sand was quickly cleaned up, my family members seemed relieved everything went so smoothly.
Everything in life is a matter of perspective. You can be angry about things which happen, or you can find ways to praise God when a fast remedy to the situation is found. I was happy my family was able to go to the beach. I was delighted to view photos and videos from all the fun they had. Perhaps, God knowing I was not able to join my family on their outing, intentionally left a little souvenir behind in the van so I too could play for a few moments in that beautiful golden sand.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
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