Monday, March 22, 2010

The Two D's


Snow in March. Certainly not what I would have expected this time of year. Especially in Georgia. Usually the trees are showing signs of tiny green foliage and the weather is beckoning me to leave my work and bask in the beauty of spring. Although we've been taunted with a few warm days, winter is determined to hold on as long as it can...Will spring ever return? Logically, I know the answer is 'yes.' But the leaden sky and cold temperatures give me cause to wonder.


Life can be similar. What I expect, and what actually happens, can be two very different things. Disappointment and Discouragement pound on my door. Will I answer? On those days when I'm stretched to the limit with a million things on my 'to do' list, I sometimes throw the door open wide and invite the two D's to come in and make themselves at home. Soon I'm sipping bitter tea and munching the bread of idleness at a pity party thrown in my honor. My 'visitors' quickly unload their knapsacks with everything I need to continue this so-called party, for quite some time. I'm handed a box full of reminders that convince me that I have a right to be disappointed that my children's story got overlooked. Discouragement tells me I may as well give up the dream to be a writer.


As our 'party' continues, I almost miss the quiet knock on my door. As I slowly make my way to the front of the house, I'm aware that Disappointment and Discouragement follow a short distance behind. I peek out the window, before opening the door. A familiar Friend waits patiently before knocking a second time. By now I realize that the two D's have left my house in a shambles. With furniture in disarray, crumbs and paper littering the table, I turn from the door and frantically begin to clean my house. Disappointment and Discouragement try to convince me that appearances are all-important, and that my house will never measure up.


I hear the faint knock again and realize that this Friend wants to spend time with me and cares about me more than the condition of my house. I run back to the door and greet my Friend warmly. His words for me are reassuring, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30; KJV). As I continue to read the letter my Friend has given me, I scarcely notice Disappointment and Discouragement tiptoeing out the front door.


Where Disappointment and Discouragement gave me reasons to wallow in self-pity and demand my rights, this true Friend offers me Hope and Encouragement. He asks me why I am downcast. He shares His wisdom, "...hope thou in God," assuring me that in due time I will praise Him for the help of His countenance (Psalm 42:5). He encourages me to trust in Him.


As I trade in the bitter tea and bread of idleness for the Living Water and the Bread of Heaven, I can feel myself being restored and renewed. I apologize for keeping company with Disappointment and Discouragement and feel a peace flood my soul. The worries of the day are put into proper perspective as I meditate on my Friend's words, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).


As I accept the Strength He offers me, He reminds me, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). What a promise! With my eyes firmly fastened on my Friend, I resolve to leave the door unanswered the next time the two D's come calling. With my Friend's active presence in my life, I can live victoriously!


Prayer: Heavenly Father, May life's disappointments and discouragements draw me ever-closer to my true Friend, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

19 comments:

  1. LOVED this post. I can really relate. He refreshes me when I really need it!

    I feel so sorry for those who don't take advantage of His offering. They never get the pesky visitors to leave...

    Just letting you know that I've moved my blog, Blahwg! There is a link to the new location on the old page. Might as well UN-follow the old one... I won't be posting there anymore. Didn't want to lose you.

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  2. Great thoughts to keep us focused on the One who is the true Encourager!

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  3. Lily - So good to see you! Thanks for the sweet words of encouragement. Also appreciate the heads-up about your new location!! I'll be sure to stop by and follow your new blog! Have a fantastic day!!

    Jaime - Welcome and thanks for stopping by! God is encouraging, isn't He?! We serve an awesome God!! Blessings to you (and your sweet baby!)!! :)

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  4. This weather has been crazy! I can't wait for it to stay warm (warm--not sweltering) for more than a day!

    This was great!

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  5. Kristen - So good to see your smiling face! It has been a bit on the bizarre side this spring! Enjoy your week and God bless you while your co-workers are in Africa!! :)

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  6. Oh my gosh I love you! What encouragement you've given me today. Thank you, your writing is beautiful.

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  7. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I often let the 2 D's come in my house. Great post! You are an excellent writer.

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  8. AMEN..I have endured a few of those days, lately. I, too cling tightly to HIM who knows and loves me best!
    Hugs, andrea

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  9. T. Anne - Welcome! How exciting to have a new friend/follower!! Your words of encouragement mean a lot! Praying that the Lord richly blesses you and that the two D's stay far from your home! (I look forward to visiting your site and getting to know you!)

    Steph T. - So good to see your smiling face! Praying that you're feeling better! I'm thankful that the Lord could use my post to encourage you today! Hugs and blessings!

    Andrea - You're a sweetheart! I can't think of anyone better to cling to, than the Lord Jesus Christ. May He bless you abundantly this week! Thanks for being an amazing prayer warrior!

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  10. All of our challenges are meant to bring us to where we need to be. Doesn't always make it easier, but it is a comfort to know we are works in progress:)
    Blessings!

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  11. Beautiful post my darling friend! Thanks for the encouragement and the well crafted way in which you shared with us:)

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  12. Karen - You're absolutely right! Transformation is a journey, not a destination! Thanks for your thoughts! God bless!

    Dorothy - We all need to be encouraged every now and then, don't we?! I'm always so honored to have you stop by! Looking forward to getting over to your blog this morning! God bless you, my friend!!

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  13. That was beautiful, Maria! It's so easy to open the door to those two D's! I often do it! But I like the visual picture of inviting in the one who offers hope and encouragement instead! Thank you for your wise words!

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  14. Jody - I think we all struggle with this one! Just getting my thoughts down yesterday and looking at the encouragement and peace offered to me by my Savior, gave me an entirely new perspective on the day! Our God is SO good! God bless you bunches! :)

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  15. Hi Maria -

    I needed this post SO much today. Thank you.

    The Lord has been bombarding me with messages of hope at every turn. It's too easy to think a situation will never get better.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  16. Susan - So glad to hear that this post encouraged your heart! What a confirmation that God's Word never returns void - but it always accomplishes that which it was sent out to do! What a compassionate God we serve! Encouragement and blessings to you today! You're a sweetheart!

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  17. Thank you Maria, the prayer is timely, right now for me! xxx

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  18. This time of year is difficult. Your post rings true for me too. Thank you!

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  19. What a beautiful post, Maria. I loved the prayer at the end. I pray this with you that our disappointments and down times draw us closer to our Father!

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