There are calm seas outside of every storm and we will travel in the direction we face. No matter which direction that is, there are calm seas to be found. I also find too often I am praying for specific direction and asking for God to take away what I am feeling or going through.
I am reminded of a story where this small sailboat is becalmed because of no wind. The men aboard kept praying for an east wind to take them to their destination. After some time one of the men realized that there might be other boats where people were praying for a westward wind. He thought they might change their prayers to ask for a favorable wind, that way God could answer all prayers.
Too often I ask for God to help me cope and deal with the circumstances of life. When I do, I am like the becalmed sailboat. Calm seas, but going no where. When I take the time to look at my life, I gain the understanding that I need to ask what I can do to change the circumstances of my life rather than just cope. By coping, I stay where I am at, no progression. By asking what I can do to change the circumstances of my life, I am taking action and showing faith in God to help me have the strength to affect change in me and my life.
To finish the story above, after a period of time and still no wind, the same man who thought to pray for a favorable wind took out the oars and started to row. When the others asked him what he was doing, he replied that today he could be the Lord's wind. He asked and was given insight how he could change life's circumstances.
I hope all are feeling better today than yesterday. Life is about the journey and what we learn along the way, not the destination.
We can respond to irritation with a smile instead of scowl, or by giving warm praise instead of icy indifference. By our being understanding instead of abrupt, others, in turn, may decide to hold on a little longer rather than to give way. Love, patience, and meekness can be just as contagious as rudeness and crudeness.