When Everything Goes Wrong

Let me tell you a little bit about what is happening to me right now, what I have to do next week, and a couple of the choices I have to make.

Number one: I have been very lazy over the summer and never stretched once. I am a dancer. Those of you who dance know how bad this is when you go back to class. Suffice to say that after dancing for two hours yesterday, I am more stiff than I have ever been in my life. (That one isn't really important, it just added to the misery I was feeling last night.)

Number two: It was my first week full-time at my school. This school is notorious for lots of homework. I have had close to two hours of homework every night -- this first week. Today I have even more than that to accomplish.

Number three: I have a cold. A really bad one. I have no voice, my stomach can't decide what to do with what I give it, and my nose refuses to follow its usual routine of smelling. And now for one of those things next week (actually, Tuesday, so one, two, three days from now): Madrigal auditions. Have you ever tried to sing with a nonexistent voice? It doesn't work!

Number four: Add to everything I just told you the fact that next week is play auditions. If I make it, I will have to forgo my dance performance. I love acting and dancing, so what exactly am I supposed to do??

Regardless of what you might think, I wasn't complaining. In fact, this morning has been one of the best I've had in a long time, because I am resting in a peace and security like I've never known. I know that whatever happens, it will be God's plan for my life. I'm trusting in Him through this week. I know that He'll give me the strength to get through all the assignments I have (He'll start by telling me to stop blogging and get studying!). I know He'll heal me, in His time. If I don't get my voice back by Tuesday, He'll work it out. If He wants me to be a witness for Him in the Madrigal Choir, I'm game; but if He likes me exactly where I am right now, I'm fine with that, too. I might be a little sad, but I'll come to see it was His plan for me. And in regards to having to decide between play vs. dance, I'm going to audition. I'm going to do my best, and I 'm trusting God will take care of the rest. He'll put me exactly where He wants me. I know if I don't make even a teeny-tiny role, He wants me to dance for Him like I never have before.

I'm sure you can sympathize with my week. I have more devastating, more tragic examples of things going wrong in my own life. But I chose one I think most of you can relate to. Because no matter how small, how trivial we may think our choices and our conundrums are, our loving Father in heaven wants to hear about them. He wants to know that we're scared we'll do the wrong thing and mess it up. And more than anything, He wants to tell us, "I'll handle this one." But first, you have to let Him.

I'm letting Him handle my problems this week. It was the hardest and the easiest thing I've ever done. Next time you can't decide between soccer or volleyball, art or piano, waitress or cashier, ask God to handle it in the way that would bring Him the most glory. Give Him the choice. It takes so much stress off you! He'll make the path clear, and He will always, always, always do what is best for you. He loves you so much. And I do too.