I always learn tips about how to live a gracious and Godly long life when I teach my little nursing home art class. The 103-year-old woman, R, is always the last to leave, working meticulously on her drawing, and usually chuckling throughout. Since she and I are alone at the end as I clean up, she never fails to have some bit of wisdom for me.
“You know,” R told me, “There were many times I had to do things I didn’t like to do. But I just told myself, if you have to do it, stop complaining. That just makes it worse. Do it and learn to like it.”
I remembered my son, as a small boy when he joined a t-ball team. He desperately wanted to be the catcher, but was placed in the field somewhere. He did complain at first. It is not at all where he wanted to be. He had plans, desires, talents...and the coach was thwarting them. Then one day, he came to me and said he had made a decision.
“I’m going to bloom where I’m planted, Mom.”
That declaration still brings tears to my eyes.
The Bible says it another way: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
And
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Yesterday at the abortion center, our Cities4Life team met a woman who was just driving by. She had an appointment to abort in a few days, and she wanted to see the place. She stopped to talk with our new afternoon team members. They spoke with her a long time about God, the humanity of the baby, and the help we could offer. They gave her our literature which had my name and number on it. She called me later in the afternoon.
Her story was one we hear all the time. She was initially excited to know she carried life in her! But the boyfriend told her he didn't want the baby, nor frankly did he really want her. She had many plans, desires, talents ... and the baby didn’t really fit in. She and the boyfriend discussed how it would be better to have the baby in maybe three years or so.
Except the baby was here now.
I spoke to her for an hour and a half, sharing the truth of fetal development (which she did not know), the truth of God’s word regarding the sanctity of life, and the truth of what it means to proclaim Jesus as Lord. She agreed with and understood everything I said. Still, in essence her response was:
I know the right thing to do, but I don’t want to do it.
I refuse to bloom where I am planted.
I refuse to abide in God even though abiding in my own choices has led me to heart ache and terrible difficulties now.
The 103-year-old lady smiled at me and told me she had enjoyed the class. She took her drawing in one hand and laid the other hand on my arm.
“And you know, all my life I have ended up enjoying what I did.”
By the way, my son eventually got to be the catcher on his t-ball team. And he was a very good one.
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Please pray the woman we ministered to cancels her appointment at the abortion center. If interested in volunteering with Cities4Life, click Here.
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James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
I pray this mama heeds your wise, Godly counsel. May God soften her hard heart...and her boyfriend's.
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