HELLO!

How do you deal with disappointment? I had some disappointing news today, early in the day. I was surprised how calm I was. Typically, I am a worrier and the people who shared with me the disappointing news often teased me for being such a worrier. On this occasion, my “glass half empty” analysis was closer to the mark than their “glass half full”. For once, I did not say, “I told you so” as they took the disappointment to heart more than me. I believe because I typically expect the worse, when disappointment comes, I am strangely prepared. And when I am wrong and the worry was all for nothing, I am delighted and surprised.

I think, for me, knowing what really bad news sounds like, looks like and feels like makes less profound disappointment sting less. It still hurts but it is manageable. Some of my favorite words are “consistency” and “perspective”. And I don’t ask, “why me” (at least not yet…) because I know how tragic life can be. I watched a documentary last night, the man who was the focus on the 60-minute broadcast said something I have not forgotten, “you never know what lays around the corner”. Not to make you feel paranoid or anxious but knowing we cannot take life for granted can be a blessing, it can lead to an opening-up to moments that last. I am so grateful for those connections, when you feel part of a larger mystery, when you feel “home”. I feel this way on a regular basis and ministry, for all but six months, that’s 34.5 years, has been such a blessing. And given that those six months were in 2002-03, with every passing year the memory is less painful. I have learned so much about what matters.

Romans 8:31-38 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way Jesus embraced us.

In the end, nothing can separate me from love, from purpose, from meaning. And nothing will. This brings me peace, makes me happy.

Peace, Kevin