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Untimely

I had my week all planned out.  I just enjoyed a great run with the Goldy boy.  "You did good, ol'buddy!" as we came through the backyard gate.  He did his usual thing, prancing toward and plopping directly into the pool.  I stepped inside to get my water.  I looked up as I heard Goldyn in the corner of the yard barking ferociously through the fence at the dog on the other side.  It's not an unusual occurrence, in fact at times it seems to be a ritual, as to which one can outdo the other.  The noise stopped and again I looked up.  Goldyn was back in sight but seemed to be rubbing his lip with his paw.  "Come here!" I called to him.  He came dripping with blood from his mouth.  I did my best to see, and sure enough, his lip was ripped as well as what looked to be a jammed up tooth!  My plans flashed through my head and came to a screeching halt . . .untimely . . .


The sun was warm, the breeze inviting, as I pulled my bike out from the garage.  I was eager to ride, as it has been weeks since I last went up the hill.  My neighbor called from across the street, she was out watering her pots of bright spring flowers.  I waved and sent a greeting.  I pedaled out of the driveway and on my way, but she called me once again, this time to come on over.  I parked my bike and sensed her concern as she tearfully told me the news of all that week.  Her husband had suffered a mild heart attack as well as having found a mass within his lungs.  My plans for that day took pause . . . untimely . . . 

He was a good friend, his family all supportive of the Master.  He became so ill, his death was imminent.  Wouldn't the Master come now to the one who loved their brother so?  But Jesus waited and even seemed to stall.  He showed up when the stricken one had been buried for at least four days . . . untimely . . . 

Often I tend to view untimely interruptions in my life as a nuisances or inconveniences. After all, they always upset my agenda and control. But I am realizing anew that they are opportunities for me to do good deeds and trust my Savior.  In doing so, I experience more intimacy with Him by "letting go, and letting God."  Untimely circumstances give me timely chances to practice faith and trust. 

"To Jesus, it was another opportunity for the manifestation of divine power, a parenthesis in the life of Lazarus that would make no ultimate difference in his welfare. 'This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.'" (M.C. Tenney,John: The Gospel of Belief, p. 172)  


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