THE SHROUDED IN-BETWEENS

THE UNDERLYING PROCESS MATTERS MORE

All of us at one time or the other have been wrapped up in analyzing, appreciating and may be even covetously desiring another's success, acquisition or station. For some the focus on another's is deep and occurs way too frequent. Another extreme is when it consumes the individual and is out right lustful. Truth be told, few fail to realize that most of the success we appreciate today in others, especially genuine success, did not happen overnight.

Time and time again I have had cause to narrate my brief life story so far especially my early post graduation months to an aspiring young lad. And in such times as tell my tail of struggling to keep my wheels on the road and working solely alternate days or in my case, alternate nights up to when I literally was receiving several multiples of my initial paycheck in a space of about 6 months, I find myself really appreciating the Grand Architect who predestined my days for good and promised to bring it all to an expected end.

"For I know what I have planned for you,' says the LORD. 'I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope."Jer 29:11 NET. 

When sharing such historical accounts, my aim is to communicate that what one may see and cherish in and around me today, has not always been so and neither has it been constant either. But it's actually surprising (or is it really?) that we rarely do take the time to consider the perspective of our days gone by, of which we played the lead actor or actress, in our own sojourn on the earth. If only we would look at where we have come from, what we have been through and endured, how certain things were orchestrated and situations eventually turned out for our good, I believe we would be taking our first set of baby steps on the journey to the land of gratitude and peace, or at least a whole lot less anxiety. If you could in that moment as well, consider the lot of several (and in some cases many) around you who have not fared anywhere near to what you have achieved, I believe you too would marvel at what The Omnipresent, who is not only always present but is also present at all times, has done and is still doing in your life as well. He is already there in the days, weeks and months ahead, waiting for you and I to arrive in faith and behold what He has in store for us. He therefore can never be surprised and taken unawares by the circumstances and happenstances of life. We can and often are, but definitely not Him, never! This indeed is a strong reason to trust whole heartedly in God and His Word, both the promises and the warnings.  He is our one true anchor, keeping us steady when we would get ahead of ourselves, in pride during the highs or in depression during the shadow filled valleys of day to day existence.

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So the next time you look at someone else and the analyst in you (or worst still the covetous dark side) starts to kick in, remember these points; first and foremost what you see is the effect of time, effort and chance coupled with blood, sweat and tears. And secondly when you start asking "why not me?" recall to mind this eternal truth and comfort as a King's kid which is found in the book of Romans

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Rom 8:28 NLT

So fret less, live a life of gratitude and be patient for your own transformation (or miracle as we often say) is on the way.  I leave you with these words of life from the Greatest book

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.1 Timothy 6: 6-7…

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all". Proverbs 3: 5-7 (The Message)