Making the best of what you are, now

By Ellen Shuck

Do you allow the way things used to be retard you in what you want to accomplish presently? If you do, you might as well give up now! As almost everyone eventually realizes, you must adjust to change -- or perish.

I talked with a friend recently. She and her husband were forced to move from their beloved house into a more practical one that supported their new lifestyle better. They could navigate better within a residence that was built all on one floor.

I asked Alice whether she liked her new home.

"I like it," she said, "but I really loved the old house."

Alice recognized, though, things change, and you have to adjust to different circumstances. Often you're happier in your new environment or situation anyway.

Although Alice's husband incurred ongoing ill health, she adapted her mind to her new life and looked toward the future. One's plans don't always turn out as he or she desires.

Jackson was sent to war while on a tour in the military. He had visions of what Army life would be like for a while.

He greatly romanticized how life would be there; however, once he was a soldier, although he loved the purpose for which he was now dedicating himself, reality set in.

The days were hot and sticky, and the uniform was often uncomfortable, especially in various kinds of weather.

Nevertheless, Jackson kept his eyes on the prize of serving his country for a stint of time, then held dreams of a glorious future he would have once he arrived back home.

He could be with his wife and two children -- watch his son play basketball and see his daughter's gymnastics moves. Jackson was on top of the world. His enthusiasm was high, and his life looked full of promise.

Yes, "the best laid of plans can fail," but Proverbs 19:21 adds credibility and hope to the statement: "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Jackson proceeded on his mission, but there were other dire consequences to follow.

One night, he accidentally ended up in the enemy zone with his Bradley (a mechanized troop carrier). Before he realized what was happening, a self-propelled rocket smashed into the vehicle.

Jackson yelled at his driver to, "Get out of there." Luckily, the man was competent and maneuvered the Bradley to a place of safety.

Jackson's hearing was impaired, but the ammunition stored inside failed to explode.

As if this episode weren't enough to discourage him, he later was caught in another major attack.

This time, Jackson was less fortunate in fighting for our freedom. His right leg was so badly injured, he was forced to have it amputated.

This sounds like such an unfair ending for someone who gave his all to doing good. Jackson, however, was not one to give up. He was upset and scared when the news came concerning the removal of the leg. He thought about the implications regarding his future and decided to put all his fears in God's hands.

He could do nothing about what had happened except continue ahead and find out what God had in line for him next.

He could be psychically alive and happy, or die mentally and psychically while he was still alive and remain miserable. He made the first choice.

Jackson also drew enormous comfort from the Bible scripture: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Rather than dwelling on what he used to be, Jackson grew in character and accepted what he could do, presently.

Do you have plans that do not seem to be materializing?