Tag: God’s goodness

A Perspective Shift

By Kathy Pollard

I had two major projects in mind for our fair-weather, mostly-free weekend. One was outside, one was inside, and both required help from my strong husband. Instead I ended up taking him to Urgent Care on Friday and he spent the weekend on antibiotics and pain meds with his left leg elevated. I felt bad for him but also felt sorry for myself for my foiled plans.

On top of that, our 11-year-old Westipoo started having nighttime anxiety. I felt bad for him but also felt sorry for me because all that shaking and panting is interfering with decent sleep.

Grumble, grumble.

Then as I was in the kitchen Saturday night, I heard Neal gasp in the living room. I ran in there to find him looking at his phone and saying, “Oh no! Oh no!” I was so afraid to ask, “What happened?!” Our 3-year-old grandson got ahold of something toxic and was being medevaced to Vanderbilt.

I know it’s happened to you, too. You head into your weekend with plans but they’re upended. You wring your hands about something trifling only to have a real crisis come along and make you feel silly for ever giving the trifle a thought.

It’s the unexpected, horrible, fearful moments that sharpen my focus. I HATE them but apparently I still need them. Who cares about my neglected projects?! Neither of them were important. What’s the big deal about a few nights of fitful sleep? Many people lose sleep for far more serious reasons. I felt ashamed for complaining. I felt grateful for life, family, and answered prayers.

Last night in worship we sang, “All my life He has been faithful. All my life He has been so, so good. With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God.” I couldn’t even finish the song as the words hit me square in the heart and tears coursed down my cheeks.

I hope I’ll remember the lesson a little longer this time. When I was sulking, God knew what was coming. And in the middle of the 24-hour window of panic and pleading, I was reminded me of His grace and patience. I saw God’s tender care in the prayers and hugs from our church family. I saw the strength and faith of my son and daughter-in-law as their little boy struggled all night. I saw the selflessness of friends and family as they jumped in to watch the other children, feed their animals, and fill a pulpit.

When I awoke this morning, I didn’t give a single thought to unfinished projects. I thanked God that our grandson is going to be okay. I didn’t lose a weekend, I gained a better perspective.

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon You.”

(Psalm 86:5)

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#46- Seeing God’s Goodness

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

“Anyone who says, ‘God is not good,’ clearly has not met His church!” Our oldest son, Gary, wrote these words. He definitely experienced it firsthand when he spent 10 days in the ICU. Christians from all over rallied around him with visits, cards, money, and gifts. It was so touching for all of us that I wrote about it.

Now my husband’s brother, Brent, is in the ICU. And once again, our hearts are being stirred by the thoughtful gestures of fellow Christians. We’ve received countless messages and lots of prayers. People have offered to sit with Brent to give his parents a break. Others have offered to house them so they don’t have to make the hour and a half trek each day. It’s a helpless feeling to be far away from loved ones in times like these but, oh, how relieving it is to see surrounding Christians jump in to help!

God’s church clearly demonstrates His goodness to any who are paying attention. These are just a couple of examples. I could share MANY more, and I know you could, too. In addition to practical help during times of trouble, the church family embraces each other in love and appreciation and holds each other up in times of weakness. This shows they’re doing their very best to live by grace, mercy, compassion, generosity, and love…the very traits of God.

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.“

(Gal. 6:10)

I’m so, so grateful. When I pray for those I love who are hurting or struggling, I also thank God for the caring hearts of His people.

I know God is perfect and His people are not. I know there are times when we miss opportunities to help, we let each other down, we hurt one another. We’re flawed, we’re busy, and we can be selfish with our time and resources. Hopefully we acknowledge it when it happens and strive to do better next time. Because God keeps using us anyway to be a light to those around us (Matt. 5:16).

I’ve seen way more grace than grumbling, way more help than hostility, and way more appreciation than apathy. It makes me want to do my part better to show others the goodness of God.

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!“

Psalm 27:13