Thoughtful Thursday

Just Because…

Did you know that Dr. Seuss, which is the pen name for Theodor Geisel, also had another pen name? Recently, we were renovating our son’s old room. He’s been married and out of the house for many years, but still has some of his, “stuff,” upstairs. I was boxing up all his children’s books, when I came across one that I had read to him over and over. It was called, “Because a Little Bug Went Ka-CHOO!” The author was Rosetta Stone. I discovered that this was a pen name used by Dr. Seuss when he worked with a particular illustrator.

I almost knew the book by heart, but I sat and read it again before placing it in the box. The premise of the book was that because one little thing happened, (a bug sneezed), it started a chain of events that led us on a journey throughout the entire book. 

I smiled as I placed the book in the box. I started thinking about how life can be that way sometimes. If this hadn’t happened, then that wouldn’t have happened, or, because this happened, then that happened…

When I graduated from high school, I was accepted at one of the universities in the state of Kentucky. Now, for a girl who had barely been out of the holler, this place seemed like New York City. When it was time for orientation, my oldest sister drove me from our small town of Pineville, north on I-75, to our destination.

At first, prospective students and their parents, or attendees, met in a large auditorium, where we were welcomed and given an overview of the day. Then, we were divided into groups according to our interests. “Next we’ll go here…now we’ll go there…” meeting after meeting, until we broke for lunch. I was already overwhelmed. I’d never been in a place this big. After one or two more meetings, we were escorted to a large room with tables along the wall, and university representatives behind each table. The line moved along swiftly, with each station representative handing out literature and flashing a smile. 

We were almost at the end of the line, when a nicely dressed lady in a business suit peered at me over her glasses. “May I have your card, please?” Each prospective student had been given their individual computer card. This was in the mid-‘70’s, when computers were huge machines along the wall. The computer cards had a certain pattern of holes punched in them, which fed information into the machine. I handed her my card, and she placed it into the computer. Then she took her finger and ran it down a sheet of paper that was laying in front of her. Then she double checked, and looked again. “We don’t have your name,” she said. I didn’t know what to do. She said it again. “We don’t have your name.” I just stared at her with that deer-in-the-headlight look. The line was building up behind me. She turned to the man beside her. His was the last table in what had become this ordeal. “We don’t have her name,” she told him.

He looked at me, with a sympathetic smile. “Step on down here,” he said. “We’re holding up the line.” By this time, I was about to cry. I moved on down to his table. He looked at me and said, “How do you wish to pay for this today?” I was so unprepared! No one had talked to me about financial aid. I had no idea that I would be asked to pay that day. Tears welled up in my eyes. He began to look uncomfortable. He handed me a business card, and said, “Here…you can come to my office tomorrow, and we’ll get everything straightened out.” Then, he looked down the line past me, and said, “NEXT!” I was dismissed.

Through my tears, I found my sister, and we made our way to her car. I cried all the way down I-75. You know…that ugly cry, where you’re just sobbing and can’t stop. Finally, I said, “This is the worst day of my life! I’m a failure! I’ll never amount to anything!” I was convinced that I was the lowest of the low. She was quiet for a moment. Then, she said the words that changed my life forever. “You know,” she said, “You don’t HAVE to go this semester, or even this year. You can get a job, make a plan, and go to college next year.”

I stopped crying, and did just what she said. I went home and got a job at Roses Department Store. While there, I met a young man who would eventually become my husband. The worst day of my life led me to the best day of my life! If everything had gone smoothly at the university, it is likely that I wouldn’t have met the love of my life. Then, I wouldn’t have started attending his home church. Then, I wouldn’t have gained a wonderful church family, and support group. Also, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work at church camp, and grow spiritually in my walk with Christ…

All because, “things didn’t work out…”

I sometimes think of how my name may not have been in that computer system, but I sure am glad that it’s written down in the Lamb’s book of life! I think of scriptures that I hold onto, and that bring me comfort. One of them is Jeremiah 29:11, when God was speaking to the prophet Jeremiah. I’m glad that I didn’t have to wait seventy years, like he did!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Another comforting scripture is found in Matthew 6:8, when Jesus is speaking to His disciples, just before He teaches them the Lord’s Prayer.”

“…for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Another favorite is from the apostle Paul, in Ephesians 3:20.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”

And finally, from the sermon on the mount, Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33,

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Friends, you may be in a bad situation right now. Things may not be working out. You may be in despair. Learn to trust the One who sees the big picture. You may not even know the plans He has for you…

All because…”things aren’t working out.” God bless…

Have a great Thursday!