Crown Molding

My family has been watching a television series on Netflix.  The series, albeit wrought with cheesy lines, computer-generated characters, and silliness, delights everyone in our house.  It is called "Merlin" and is loosely based on the characters of Camelot.


At this point in our viewing, Morgana, the ward of King Uther Pendragon, has plans to destroy Camelot.  The king is completely oblivious to this fact and we have had to endure her bad acting and TONS of episodes that pointed to her guilt, but the king seems not to notice.


It has been driving me crazy.  The king turns a blind eye to her evil, probably because she is his daughter (a plot twist we discover in season three).  He is inactive and weak because of his love for this woman and her charm.  It is not fair and frankly, painful.  DOES HE NOT SEE?


I feel this way sometimes in the world.  Political and church leaders who are lazy, corrupt, and deceiving others make me crazy.  Why?  Because they are permitted to continue to keep their position.  In some cases, they are promoted to higher positions despite their blatant disregard for integrity because they are charming.


The fact is, sometimes I question God.  Why?  Do You not see?   I mean, of course, I know You see.  But why are You so inactive?  Where are the lightening bolts reserved for such rotten people?


Unlike the bumbling king in our series, God is the Almighty King and He DOES see.  And He is NEVER inactive.  His heart does not blind Him, it allows Him to see things perfectly.

Psalm 33:11 "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

The problem is me.  My lack of trust.  My lack of faith in His timing, His justice.


I need to remind myself every day that His grace abounds for me as well... I need to remain His humble servant or I am no better than any other.


Amberly

SURPRISE!

When my dad wanted to surprise us with something big, he would often have us close our eyes, take his hand, and follow him to the gift.  We blindly followed his voice and tug of his hand.


Once we reached the destination, he would ask us to open our eyes.  My dad was a great fan of giving gifts and he relished each response and squeal of delight.


In our house, we have had a rough couple of months.


We lost Scott's mom over the summer.  It was a great shock and blow and frankly, I am still in a bit of denial over how that vibrant, healthy, life-filled woman could be gone.


Then we received word that due to a drop in enrollment at my husband's school, his schedule has been reduced to part-time.  No benefits, no tuition breaks, no nothing.  He is crushed and I am actually hacked off.  I am trying to be the dutiful employee's wife, but I am disappointed BIG TIME.  Not in my husband, but in the situation.


And then it hit me.  God promises: "I know the plans I have for you - plans to give you a hope and a future, plans to prosper you and not to harm you...".  Notice He does not promise that WE will know the plans He has for us; it sounds like  to a giant surprise from Heaven to me. :)


Right now, I feel like we are in the dark a bit regarding our future, but this much I know: if we hold tightly to the hand of our Father, He will lead us where we need to go.


After all, my Heavenly Father is also a great fan of giving gifts....


Amberly