Answer to a Question

God, turst, oppotrunties, inspirationI was doing a reading from my book Inspirations From the Everyday when someone said, “Read the story about the cloud picture on the cover.” When I answered that I hadn’t written a story about that she replied, “Why not?”

She asked a good question. It was something I hadn’t thought about so promised to write the story. This is for Mary and anyone else who has wondered about that cloud.

My friend Ann is an avid photographer. When I was looking at pictures from her collection one captured my interest immediately. Set against a backdrop of an azure sky was a fluffy white cloud in the shape of a heart. It was just what I wanted for my book cover and she graciously allowed me to use it.

Ann told me she was in her backyard when she saw the cloud. She wasted no time in grabbing her camera to capture this incredible image. Not only was she in the right place at the right time, she took full advantage of the opportunity.

Clouds move with the wind. Their appearance morphs from one shape to another as they travel. Therefore, the shape you see may only appear for a few moments before it changes.

This is like the opportunities that God presents to me on a daily basis. If I don’t take advantage of them when they appear I may not get another chance.

When I keep my focus on God I recognize the possibilities he places before me. There is no need to hesitate when I trust him to lead me to and through these new adventures.

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. (Jeremiah 17:7 NLT)

Passing Lane Ahead

God, timing, inspiration, trust,contentMy husband and I were driving between Calgary and Vancouver. There were many times that a slow moving vehicle caused a long line of traffic behind it.

Drivers would get frustrated and some would pass where they shouldn’t and have to cut back into the line when oncoming traffic approached. Their impatience caused some unsafe situations.

Signs that told of a passing lane ahead meant relief for those caught in this backlog. As we approached the passing lane there would be a sign asking the slower traffic to keep right. This would allow the others to safely move ahead.

In one case the offending vehicle stayed in the left or fast lane. When other slower moving traffic moved to the right, as per the sign’s instructions, there was no way to pass. The one impeding the other vehicles seemed to have no idea the problems being caused.

It made me wonder how often in life I have been so focused on myself that I didn’t realize the problems I was causing for others. Have I caused them frustration because I didn’t get out of their way? Did they take unnecessary risks because of my behavior?

There is nothing wrong with moving aside to let others pass. By allowing them to do so, they may encounter opportunities they would not have had otherwise. Encouraging others to keep moving forward instead of being stuck behind me is also an act of faith.

God’s timing for me is perfect. If I rush ahead I may miss something that he has planned for me. I trust that when the timing is right, he will move me into the passing lane. For now I need to be content with where I am.

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to anyone who seeks help from him. (Lamentations 3:35 GWT)

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