Christmas time has always been a tough time for me. I came from a dysfunctional Irish family who thought that it was a time to fight at the drop of a hat. God forbid that anyone say the wrong thing because that is when the donnybrook would start. So I grew up cringing at that time of the year. Not looking forward to family get togethers.
Now that I have my own family, I enjoy it more. I raised my boys to be good Christian men, unlike the family that gave me such heart burn.
But with out realizing the extent of the damage done me , the low self worth , He put me to a test which I must say I failed.
It started the 4th with my taking my little dog Elbie for a walk. We had gone thru the back gate for our usual walk in the woods, what I failed to realize was the gate did not latch properly. After returning from our walk Elbie wanted to stay in the back yard. Several minutes later as I checked on Elbie I saw the gate standing a foot open. My heart sank. I knew the little rascal was gone. I called my husband and the neighbors to help find him. I drove around the neighborhood in desperation, pleading with the Lord to bring him back to us.
At that moment I told The Lord I needed more faith to believe that He would bring him home. I was panicking and heart sick. I said, "Lord you remember when I go looking for other neighbors lost animals and you allow me to find them"? I just was crazed with grief. No excuse.
Well I came upon a sweet lady, whom I never met before and told her about Elbie. I asked her to please pray, never thinking she would be like me and go out in her own car to help. I know it was The Lord's doing. His way of saying,"See I heard your prayer and I was concerned."
This test has shown me my weak moment and how ashamed I was doubting His care of both me and Elbie.
As I was approaching my home to turn in the driveway, I saw Elbie in the arms of my neighbor. I was so happy to see the little guy I just burst into tears with relief. Covered in swamp mud, he was a sight for sore eyes. Needless to say I check all gates to make sure they are latched.
Moral of the story, "Trust in The Lord with all thy heart, lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3: 5.
Still , after so many years of living from a dysfunctional family, old ways still pop up. But He is faithful to forgive our failures and set us on the right path again and show us He loves us and will be glorified in our weaknesses.
So my friend, believe me when I tell you He alone is faithful, trustworthy and true.