A Promise for YOU!
28/04/2017 17:14
I’ve noticed a curious phenomenon.
-
My doctor is a man.
-
My dentist is a man.
-
My hairdresser is a man.
Do you see what I see?
Professionally, I seem to trust men more than women! In our early days in Australia, I found it hard to find a hairdresser who cut my hair the way I liked. So voila! Enter Franko my gentle, Italian Barber. My family sought and found the perfect (Greek) doctor when we arrived and we’ve stuck with him. He’s excellent at what he does and also a caring Christian man. I used to be petrified in the dentist’s chair—but my expert Australian dentist made me feel safe, providing not only outstanding dental care but also treating me with kindness and respect. So in the last 18 years, I have been blissfully content with the services of all three.
A few weeks ago, intent on having my hair just right for our impending trip to Sri Lanka, I called to make an appointment. Alas, my 76 year old barber was sick and not at work. The next week it happened again … time was running out. Surfing the Internet and checking reviews, I was led to a salon not far from home. I was delighted to find that not only did I receive a chic haircut, the charming young lady who snipped my tresses made it a pleasant experience for me—chattering nineteen to the dozen and endearing herself to me.
Next, it was time to get myself a set of sparkling new teeth. Unfortunately, my dentist was away and unavailable before I left for Sri Lanka. How disappointing … but the receptionist added “Would you consider having someone else clean your teeth, just this once?” Why not? I booked in with the new young dentist at the practice. She cleaned my teeth beautifully so I can now zoom off to Sri Lanka with a cleaner, brighter, whiter smile.
Believe it or not, my doctor has also been away so I had to look for another professional to approve my fortnightly B12 injections. The person available was … yes, you guessed right – a woman. She was a good doctor and did the needful. And so it was, that in the last couple of weeks, I’ve changed habits of 18 years and have visited women professionals instead of men—all three of them. I’m pleased to report that I have enjoyed the experience.
Perhaps a new day is dawning?
I love new seasons don’t you? I’ve enjoyed the four seasons in Australia, (compared to only 2 in Sri Lanka) each with their own magical enchantment. I love Mondays—the start of the working week, pregnant with possibilities. Today is that not only the beginning of a week, it’s also the beginning of a new month. 38 years ago, when I had the thrill of leading a new friend to become a disciple of Jesus, she and I dubbed May as the Month of Miracles!
The month of May for me is also associated with a promise. Exactly 20 years ago, in May 1997, my little family prepared to step out on a Grand Adventure—packing our bags and leaving for foreign shores, first to Malaysia and next to this beautiful Land Down Under. God gave me a promise then. He went on to keep that promise time after time after time these 20 years. Life has often tossed numerous unpleasant surprises at us over the years, but what’s been far bigger and brighter is God’s faithfulness.
In a few days we zoom off to Sri Lanka, to catch up with my family—the Magnificent Seven and our Magnificent Spouses. It’s the first time all fourteen of us will spend a few weeks together in the one place, so excitement rises like the joyous boom of the surf as the tide comes in. One thing (among many) that our parents did right was making all 7 of us (and later all 14) close friends which is why our reunion is so special. My extended clan was intent on celebrating the 60th birthday of the youngest. Me! Little Old Me! (What? 60? When did THAT happen?)
So … Hooray! It’s a brand new season and I am very excited.
It is true that we have faced an abundance of challenges since we left Sri Lanka. But the love of God has been my resting place these last 20 years and He has walked with me everywhere, up the glorious mountain peaks and especially down the deep dark valleys, where His light has shone on my darkness. Best of all, through times of difficulty and pain, Jesus became Hiding Place, my Treasure, my All in all. I could not ask for more.
How are YOU today? Are circumstances obstructing your path or stealing your peace and joy? May you look up into the face of God in Jesus and snuggle under His wings. He loves you. He loves you. HE LOVES YOU. More than you can ever imagine. A New Season beckons. Let’s follow Him where He leads us. The promise He gave me 20 years ago is for you too.
You can count on it!
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged.” Deut. 31:8