James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
I am using as the title of this post an often cited Yiddish adage to illustrate my understandings that even with the most efficient planning our life will present us with twists, turns, and dead end alleys that oblige us to embrace the thought that our planning results do not always meet our expectations. The cynic might well assume that they are being side tracked from their chosen path by that which has other plans for their life.
Privileged parents will ensure that their children are sent to the best primary, and secondary schools, then onto a prestigious university followed by a career that will reward them with all that their parent's skilful preparation has organised. That's the theory.
It is human nature to ponder on cause, and effect to find someone, or something to blame. Blaming others, finding fault in others is the automatic reaction of the disappointed person determined that their plans must prevail.
Our best-laid plans in life can be suddenly terminated. On the other hand so-called fate can provide unanticipated good fortune, or heartening experiences taking us in an unforeseen direction providing us with a journey into the unknown.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
~ Jeremiah 29
Uncertainty is inscribed into the DNA of every human person without exception. Even in desperate times we know at some level that “this too shall pass.” Corvid-19 is one of those trials that is obliging each of us to think beyond those plans that had hitherto become our reason for expecting a rewarding future.
Setbacks are not permanent defeats for they represent growing experience that will enhance our wherewithal to deal with future challenges.
“If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same…You are a better man than most.” ~ Rudyard Kipling
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