Faith

Recently I received the book "50 things that really matter" for my birthday. It is a collection of stories and sayings on things such as work, wisdom, memories etc. When I first opened the book it opened to the section on faith and I'd like to share that with you, as well as my musings on the matter.

"There's an old story about Jeb and the flood that tells us something important about faith. Old Jeb was trapped on his roof as the flood waters were rising around his house. As he sat there, a neighbor passed by in his rowboat, offering to take him to higher ground.

"Don't worry about me," said Jeb. "I have faith: The Lord will protect me."

A while later, the flood waters still rising, a rescue squad arrived in a power boat and ordered Jeb to evacuate.

"No need, " Jeb insisted. "My faith is strong. I'll be fine."

A few hours later, when the waters reached the eaves, a National Guard helicopter hovered overhead and lowered a line. But Jeb wouldn't grab hold.

"The Lord will provide," he said.

Not too long after, Jeb's house went under, and Jeb with it. When he arrived at the pearly gates, he was none too please.

"Lord, I had such faith in you!" Jeb cried. "How could you have abandoned me?"

"Abandoned you?"replied the Lord. "What are you talking about? I sent you a rowboat, a powerboat, and a helicopter!"

Like may of us, Jeb had great faith, but it was a faith built only upon miracles that come with flashes of light and trumpet blasts. In truth, God often responds to our faith in humbler ways. It might be a kind driver who lets us merge when we're stressed from sitting in heavy traffic. Or it could be a newspaper article that describes a support group we desperately need. Or perhaps it comes in a song on the radio that brings us a cherished, fortifying memory."



How true that is. We look for the big flashes when we should have faith for the small stuff on a daily basis. We expect our prayers and our faith to be rewarded in big ways instead of the small and perhaps mundane. I would add to that list above-a blog or blog post that blesses you. the small hand of my son, nestled in mine, as we walk in dangerous areas. My husband who does so much. A card received when having a bad day. For me, my husband and son are tangible reminders of God's blessings. I had tried to force God's hand for a husband. It wasn't until I stopped trying, that God blessed me with a husband who exceeded my dreams. We had difficulty getting pregnant-not as much as some but still traumatic enough. When we finally got pregnant, and when our son was finally here, he was so much more than I thought possible. Faith rewarded, that if God meant for me to be married I would be and the grace to accept that it might not be. Faith rewarded, that if God meant for me to have a child, I would and the grace to accept that it might not be. While these are big things, daily I am reminded in little things of the miracles around me. We just have to see with an open heart and mind.