Does God Care About the Details of my Life? - Ruth L. Snyder

Last week I had the opportunity in my work as a school board trustee to fly to Boston for the National School Boards Association conference. My flight was delayed for an hour, so I used the time to catch up on emails and read the latest news. When the boarding call was finally made, I switched off my iPhone and headed for the departure gate. The flight itself was uneventful. However, because of the late departure I only had twenty minutes to race from one gate to another in the vast Toronto airport. (A fellow traveler joked that we were running our own version of the Boston Marathon!) I was relieved to discover others also had a tight connection and the plane was being held until we were all accounted for. Just over an hour later as I disembarked in Boston, I reached into my jacket pocket for my phone. It wasn't there.

The next morning as I was discussing my lost phone with a friend I commented, "Everything happens for a reason."

He replied, "I don't believe that. Sometimes it's just bad luck."

It struck me that his world view is different than mine. I believe in a God who loves me intimately, who is always with me no matter where I go, who knows how many hairs I have on my head, who provides everything I need. In Matthew 6:25-34 I am reminded that I don't need to worry about my life, or what I will eat and drink, or what I will wear. Instead of worrying, I am challenged to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." (verse 33)

When "bad" things happen, I have a choice. I can complain, fret, worry, get upset, and focus on the negative, OR I can choose to give thanks, trust, rest, and focus on God's consistent character. Sometimes God will intervene and change the circumstances. Other times, the circumstances will remain the same.

Despite contacting both airports and the airline's lost and found, my phone is still missing. (In case you're wondering, I had not downloaded the "Find my iPhone" app.) However, I enjoyed a wonderful conference. I was able to interact with other school board trustees, learn some new skills, and enjoy listening to inspiring speakers like Salmond Khan and Geoffrey Canada. Next week I'm looking forward to receiving a new cell phone.

Ruth L. Snyder

Check out Ruth's blogs: www.trusteesnyder.blogspot.com (Education information) www.ruthlsnyder.com (Ruth's writing and family life) and www.earlyyearssuccess.com (Information for caregivers of children ages 0-5)

Follow Ruth on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@wwjdr