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I am glad you chose to visit! My blog is a compilation of the many hats I find myself wearing. On any given day I may be an encourager, an instructor, or just a lady who is venting. You, dear reader, will probably identify with my triumphs and my tribulations! These snapshots fit into my Life Scrapbook I have named A. McInnis Artworks. I hope you will find something worth your while.


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Two Men in a Wagon

I am sitting here wondering, if somebody, say me, is not in a great mood and doesn't feel too cheerful and would rather not write, should I do what I encourage others to do (which is "chin up") or should I just fluff out tonight and do nothing? Pastor Shelton used to say, "Your walk talks; your talk talks; but your walk talks louder than your talk talks." Ok, I'll write...but it won't be funny. Tomorrow I'll brighten up, I promise.

I have had a disappointment...should be used to those by now, but ever the eternal optimist...I really do try to see the glass half full...today for some reason, I can't move past "the half empty" level in my life. I am trying to see the best in a situation that is so cloudy that I can't read the road signs. Have you ever been at those crossroads? I am tired and worn down and can't see the forest for the trees.

I understand that life is like a tapestry and it won't be complete until the Lord weaves the final threads, but my question is how do you continue facing turmoil and strife and stand strong until this experience called life is truly complete? Don't be weary in well doing, you say? I know that one, too and I love the verse. All things work together for good to those who love the Lord, you press onward. But today I just feel like my engine has slap run out of gas.

It's days like today that I remember Miss Shields, a dear woman of God who attended my church until the day she died. Years ago when I ran into a brick wall similar to today's, I went to her to seek wisdom. I asked her, " How do you go on? How do you face another disappointment, another heartache, another setback? How do you have the strength to try once more?" Her answer surprised me. She looked at me and said, "When you get to that point, you have to realize that God is enough." What?! At the time, I thought I needed something more than that statement...and now, I find myself standing in the same place again...asking the same question and the same answer comes to mind. "Angela, God is enough." He is bigger than your problems, He's mightier than your foes, He cares more about you and your family than anyone on this earth. He is TRULY enough.

Today I have expressed my disappointment in a not so nice tone. I probably haven't been the best testimony. (You can scratch out the word "probably" in the above sentence.)

I remember a great story about a man walking down the road with a huge heavy pack on his back...a kind man in a wagon stopped and said, "Let me give you a ride, friend." The burdened man gratefully jumped into the wagon and sat in the seat by the driver, but he kept his huge pack on his back. The kind driver said, "Man, throw that burden behind you in the wagon!" The rider replied, "Oh, you were so nice to give me a ride, that I couldn't ask you to carry my pack, too!" That is exactly what I am doing today. I am riding with Jesus and still hanging onto the burden...and that burden must be tossed to the back of the wagon. Christ can handle the weight, I can't. I am weak, He is strong.

I knew the answer to my question before I asked it. I want to make sure you know the answer, too. God IS enough...for me and for you. Brighter tomorrows always follow dark todays. Thank you for listening.

8 comments:

Pat Jones Hitt said...

Angela, if it weren't for the valleys, how would you know how to enjoy the mountains? We've all been there, and you also know that with God's help, there will be brighter days. I don't know what your burden is, and I don't have to know. I believe you already know the burden-bearer. He will be with you on your way thru the valley and on to the mountain top.

Angela McInnis said...

Thanks,Pat.I appreciate your thoughts very much.

Amy Pitts said...

You know, after those low valleys, I look back and am actually thankful for them (I did say AFTER). I believe it's the valleys that make us stronger. Valleys create character, and shape and mold us to whom we are today. If no one went through valleys, how could we minister to each other? Remember that Jesus had to go through all the temptations. He didn't say the road would be easy but oh what a RIDE!

Lillyputt said...

Hope tomorrow is better for you. Love ya!!!!


Lillian

Angela McInnis said...

Thanks for the reminders, Friends! It's 5:10 a.m. and I DO feel better! Just have to hang in there and remember feelings aren't always reality.

Holly Barber said...

You have no idea how I needed those encouraging words from you today. See...even in those valleys God can still use you. :) While reading your blog today...I thought..."Gosh...is she writing about ME?!" It seems we've been going through one low point after another lately...and my husband said the other day.."I know this is all part of God's plan, and He is always there for us.... but when is enough, ENOUGH?!" It seems we take one step forward and 3 steps back and just cannot catch a break to save our lives. It's so easy to get discouraged and down in the dumps. After an awesome choir rehersal last night with worship & ministry time, I was reminded that when we're not... HE IS. When we're down to nothing, God is up to something. And you're absolutely right... Feelings aren't always reality. Praying for you...Love you!

Anonymous said...

I have been in a deep hole at times..I wanted to get out so bad..but couldn't..but I learned to lean on God and He showed me how to get out the hole..He reached out His arms and hands and pulled me..It was amazing..at times I get back in the hole..but God is always there to help me out again..we learn from our mistakes and we do better cause we have God by our side..He walks with me everyday and He walks with you everyday..He loves us so much..I pray you have a better day..cause you are amazing as God is..love u..

Angela McInnis said...

Well put, Holly and "Anonymous". My problem is once I start digging, I keep on rather than putting down the shovel and look up!