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Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2-3

     Heavenly Father, I’m sitting here with a confirmed seat on a 9 pm flight for Orlando, but six and a half hours later than my flight was supposed to leave. You know without me telling you, I didn’t exactly receive this delay as “an opportunity for great joy”—to use James’ words. I can give birth to a bad attitude as fast as anyone. I am grateful for your kindness and patience.

I had my evening all planned out. Supper with a dear friend, off to bed early, then, as usual, an early rise to write my daily prayer. Then, well rested, I would spend the day, as planned, coaching and encouraging several leaders in the health care community, give a talk on the implications of the gospel for leadership-culture, then dine and fellowship with one of my favorite families on the globe.

After whining, I wined (one glass), then I repented. Your mercy and grace trumped my “poor me” moment. James wasn’t writing about delayed or canceled flights; but Roman imprisonments, confiscation of property, and the real prospect of martyrdom.

Thank you, Father, for convicting me without condemning me. Such is the wonder of the Gospel. My “great joy” will be in trusting you to give me love, heart, and energy all day long tomorrow (now today). Help me be present with a lot of people, without feeling the need to be impressive. Though my sleep will be brief, make it count, Father. Pour 7 hours of rest into 4 hours of sleep, please.

And for all my praying friends who have indulged my whine-fest and repentance, bless them Father. They have their own stories of interruption, “curve balls,” and “didn’t-see-that-one-coming” too. Thank you that we can be weak together, so the aroma of grace may be released through our broken places. Grow our faith as you show us more of Jesus. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name

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