Fair to Middling? | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Fair to Middling? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elaine Hemingway
10/12/17
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See the sun being swallowed by the cloud,
Thunder threatening as the first dull roars
Overshadow the mountain tops, warning of the
Rioting rain dancing its way into the new day.
Morning has broken to welcome a storm.

It’s a new day with depression trying to overpower, and I battle to overcome its creeping tendrils, troubleshooting the nuances of blame and provocation. Walking with a frown creasing my face I wonder whether I can defend the feelings of frustration and justification. There’s the smell of freshly ploughed earth around me and I hunch into my jacket and wipe away the tears of self-pity threatening competition with the raindrops. It’s really only a misunderstanding between the many and the few. Another instance of wanting fair play in a secular world. It’s been a few days in the building up – first a few drops of contention, like a minor shower of defeat. In nautical terms, the weather was fair to middling. Bearable with no immediate threats. As a carer, I am used to slight turmoil on the home front, one of the best places to be in learning the lessons of patience and growing other fruit of the Spirit. It’s when the lessons come upon us from outside the home front that the feelings of frustration develop into deeper depression.

Weathering a storm is good preparation for the next clash and examining the scriptures cements the faith that carries us through every challenge. Yesterday was a fight to overcome the waves of complications that threatened to demolish me in the throes of confusion. Had I brought the problem on myself by being too demanding? Too confrontational? I want the best for my ‘piglet’ (the person I give love and encouragement to)* so I expect the best care and also the best opportunities for me to enjoy a little break. When the two do not meld, a storm can threaten. Then comes the aftermath – picking up the pieces and repairing the damage. I had to remember Psalm 46 and that God is our refuge and strength whether the circumstances are extra serious or fair to midling – He cares. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

It’s a new day and praise fills my heart. If age would permit I could skip! Yesterday had unsolved problems to be mulled over, but today they are solved. I took each one to my Father and asked for wisdom knowing it would not be denied. He went before and prepared the way. When I spoke to the person who needed to understand my position, she had already thought through my situation and had been primed with a solution. The turbulence was over, a relationship was strengthened and wisdom was shared. Dare I feel encouraged that in the sharing another was given food for thought?

Thank you, Father that your Word reminds me:

• Isaiah 25:4 You have been … a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm…

• Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth …

• Philippians 2:13 It is God who works in me to will and to act according to His good purpose.

* Hugh Marriott ‘The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring.

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