God's ways are better.

God gives each of us gifts.  Corinthians tells us that each one of us has been gifted.  These gifts come in many shapes and sizes.  Our gifts will grow and mature.  Sometimes they are very prominent and other times they take a secondary role to other gifts.  This year I have been learning that these gifts are given to me from the Father and they have been given to me on loan. I have been entrusted to keep them for the Lord and I must ask Him before I push ahead and use them. 
Does that seem odd to you?  It does to me.  This is a new concept to me. 

To drive this lesson home, recently my husband and I went on a pre-trip to Costa Rica. We were looking at possible missions locations.  I was a little sad because I was only going to be able to be there a short time and would not be able to teach at a women's conference that would be held after I had left. Teaching is a gift that I love to use. We met our team at the airport  and I was happy to see that there was a woman in the midst of the 8 men that were going.  Sonya seemed excited and friendly as I introduced myself.  Later in the airport as we waited for our flight, I noticed Sonya concentrating intently on some paper.  I knew what it was.  It was her message for the women's conference.  I was soooooo sad.  I wished that I too could be pouring over my notes.  Sonya stood up and came over to me.  "Will you look at this? I need someones opinion on this."  I was excited and amazed.  The Lord was giving me an opportunity to use my teaching gift in another manner.

God is so Good.

Things may not be as we want or hope. 
God's plans are better than ours. 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Is 55:8

I need to trust that more.

Father, Thank you for being bigger, smarter, kinder than me!  Your ways are so different than mine.  Help me to wait and remember that your ways are so much better than what I had planned.