Used for Good

     You just never know what seemingly minor event  might set off a whole new direction in life. For me, one of those first blush little events was finding a dying dog on the side of the road. Had I not done that, I would never have discovered that there was a book inside of her waiting to be written. Even more amazingly, I would never have learned how to set margins on a computer document, let alone how to make headers and footers or convert to PDF files. In fact, I would not have ever known what a PDF file was. I would never have met the wonderful people in the animal rescue world, in our dog club, or in some cases, my neighbors. I would never have started a daily blog, or probably even a facebook account. What looked like a calamity and a horrible setback when I helped that wretched little dog , turned out to be one of the pivotal events that finally sparked me to pursue a lifelong dream, to become a published author.

     On this day in 1946, Elvis was opening his gift, praying and hoping for a rifle or a bicycle. He was not feeling optimistic. The package was too fat for a rifle, and too small for a bicycle. He was probably thinking, "Wonderful... underwear for my birthday...again." They were a poor family, and he was used to disappointment. Then, he ripped off the last bit of wrapping paper, and gleaming before him was his first guitar. I suspect he didn't know how to play it and when he first started plucking it, it probably didn't make music. And while I am just guessing here, I bet he was sad that it wasn't what he had hoped for. Who would ever have guessed that in a decade, he would become one of the most famous musical stars of all time, and that Elvis Presley would change music forever?

     What looks like calamity, feels like failure, or reeks of disappointment, is often God's fodder for a future. There are countless examples in the Bible. Ruth's loss of her husband and father in law in a strange land led to her leaving her own people to settle in Israel. She did so in the midst of her loss and despair as a kindness to Naomi, her mother in law. In the end, she married Boaz, thereby becoming the great great great (not sure how many greats) grandmother of King David, and of Jesus Himself. You just never know what event might change your life...or even the world.

     By the way, all you children out there, Elvis's mom didn't want to get him a rifle or bike because she was overprotective and thought it was hard to injure oneself with a guitar. Instead of lamenting the protection of your mom, I would strongly advise you go give her a big hug and tell her thankyou for making you the star you will become.

         

Proverbs 14:32 NIV

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,

but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

Lamentations 3:38 NIV

Is it not from the mouth of the Most High

that both calamities and good things come?

Genesis 50:20 NIV

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.