Adversity!  We all encounter it in life and we all experience the dread of encountering it!

I realize that an overnight snowfall of about 3 inches is not major adversity unless you’re a bad-weather ‘chicken’ driver like me!  But the important meeting in Indy for which I had waited 3 weeks forced me to brave the wet interstate; several minor accidents and sitting in stalled traffic on I-70. 

An adverse situation I would not normally attempt to persevere through. 

I saddled up my courage and headed out with radio on to distract my timidity.  I repeated prayerful phrases over and over as traffic slowed at the top of a major interstate hill and was almost relieved when everyone came to a halt! 

Fortunately, I arrived safely and only 15 minutes late for the meeting.  It was an awesome meeting that obviously was meant to take place!

What I would have missed if I had given in to my fears.  How much longer would it have taken to accomplish the goals with which I’ve been designated had I simply sat down in a warm house and said - “I’m not goin’ anywhere in this weather!”

Some folks would view the situation as one designed by the ‘enemy’.  Others would simply say that we can never depend on Indiana weather in late February or early March.

What I say is that God is in control!  Yes, even of the weather.  It was no ‘accident’ (excuse my pun) that today’s weather was the kind in which I would normally not venture far from home.  Certainly never venture onto I-70 which is one of my least favorite interstate highways. 

It was adverse weather and adverse driving conditions and I had a choice to make!  I could stay home and take weeks to reschedule with women’s busy calendars.  Or I could not let “rain nor snow nor sleet” keep me from my appointed appointment.

When I say that God is ultimately in control, I mean that things happen in our lives that have a purpose.   We often miss that purpose when we view those ‘happenings’ as adverse and let the adversity keep us from our ‘appointed rounds’ as the old saying goes.

I could almost hear my heavenly Papa chuckling as I looked out the window this a.m. to find considerable snow on the neighbor’s roof.  I could envision an air of smugness as He watched me snort and fuss over snow on a day when I needed to be in Indy 70 miles away.

Now compared to the adversity in many of my friends’ lives (and, perhaps in yours as well), some snow and wet pavement is not much through which to persevere.  The point is, my heart wanted to brave the elements - my mind wanted to stay home.

The wisdom in all of this is that adversity will come - regardless!  It simply is part of our human condition.  It’s what we do with it that makes the difference.  And each time we brave the elements, we grow stronger.

Now I don’t like that that’s the way it is!  I’ve often told Papa so.  But I’m not in charge and I don’t know all that it takes to build a strong man or woman of faith who can brave life elements and come out stronger on the other side. 

I do know that we always have a choice.  It may not feel like it or seem like it at the time; but we do!  We can persevere or we can stay home and play it safe.

Here’s the real wisdom in all of this.  If we’re fashioned and designed for certain purposes; then life events are built into life to move us in the direction of our purposes.  If we don’t rise to the occasion the first time - well, it will come around again - and again - and again, until we get it right.  Learn the lesson - grab the meaning. 

I have to tell you that if I’d known this in my early days of traveling with my heavenly Papa, I could have spared myself a lot of heartache.  Finally, as I’ve grown more ‘chrono-mature’, I’ve wised up.  I try to get it on the first try these days so as to avoid the double-whammy or the second time around.

For that reason, I warmed the car, brushed the snow from the windows, and headed out.  I didn’t want to risk a reschedule of an appointed appointment with the risk of next time - it could be worse.

I’ve made somewhat ‘light’ of today’s snowy situation, but many times telling a story with underlying profound significance with a touch of humor - drives (again, excuse my pun) home the point.

By the way, just like the 3 wise men, I returned home “another way”.  The sun shone, the road was clear and the wind died away.

I was glad I’d persevered.  I was thankful the accidents were minor compared to what they might have been.  I was thrilled to have arrived safely and nearly on time.

And I am pleased that I didn’t let a snowfall get in the way of my appointed task of the day; or the meeting of awesome women whose strength of character and courage blessed me more than I could have imagined.

Adversity!  We never welcome it, but we can embrace it when it comes.  And each time, we’re stronger and better for it.

Have an awesome evening with much love and many blessings!

Linda