Tuesday, December 22

For nothing will be impossible with God.
—Luke 1:37

Some of us always look on the bright side of things. After all, what's the point of doing otherwise? Others of us tend to see all the possible difficulties and obstacles. After all, one needs to be cautious. 

Both viewpoints have some truth to offer. When situations occur in our lives that are beyond our control, we can drive ourselves crazy with stress and anxiety when we might be better served to simply smile and look for the good that can come out of them. On the other hand, there are situations we can avoid or troubles we can lessen when we exercise a good measure of caution. 

When going up a mountain in a snowstorm, for example, it is wise to exercise caution and put chains on our tires. At the same time, bemoaning the work involved or complaining about the fact that the weather has turned icy and snowy will only steal joy from us and leave us with a hole of emptiness in our soul. 

But we can put the chains on the tires, then smile that we have had a chance to see the beauty of snow and get some exercise without going to the gym. When we think this way, our soul feels uplifted and encouraged.

As humans we are continually discovering those things that are possible and those that are outside the realm of our capabilities. But life does not depend on us to make things happen. The reality is that we are not in control; God is. 

And the reality of our faith is found in believing that, even in the midst of difficult situations beyond our control, nothing is impossible with God. There even might be something worth smiling about.

Gracious God, when my frown seems more fixed than my smile, remind me that with you nothing is impossible.