The Moral of the Story -- Cindy Trane Christeson

“God doesn’t always smooth the path, but sometimes he puts springs in

the wagon.”

-- Marshall Lucas

In the past several weeks I have looked through racks of assorted

greeting cards to find the right messages for different friends who are

dealing with different life situations. I found some fun ones for some of

the celebrations and milestones, such as birthdays, graduations and other

personal or medical accomplishments. I smiled as I thought of each person

who is presently rejoicing in the positive path his or her life has

taken.

Unfortunately I had an even longer list of friends to buy

encouragement cards for. Lately, it seems like life has been filled with

unexpected roadblocks, detours and unmarked potholes, and occasionally it

seems like strong bridges have been washed out from under people.

Over the course of these weeks, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to

talk with many of my friends and family about life and about God. We’ve

gathered in hospital waiting rooms, churches and over coffee or meals to

share and pray. We’ve laughed and we’ve cried. And we’ve committed to be

there for each other for the long haul, whatever that turns out to look

like.

Earlier this week I visited with a friend with cancer.

“This isn’t the path that I would have chosen, but I can already see

the good that God has brought from it,” she said.

She expressed that while she was initially overwhelmed by the

different difficult diagnoses, she was more overwhelmed by the outpouring

of love and support she had and continues to receive. As I left her home,

I was reminded that we all need to do whatever we can for those who are

on rough routes in life. We need to be in and out of prayer for those who

are in and out of doctors’ offices and hospitals.

I recently had lunch with several friends and we talked about all the

unexpected valleys that have dotted the landscape of the lives of many of

our loved ones. We shook our heads in disbelief at what has transpired in

recent weeks. One friend said, “I feel like I’m living in a bad movie.”

We all agreed. We talked and prayed about those who are going through

the challenges, tests and aggressive medical treatments. We have all been

amazed and inspired by their unwavering faith and incredible attitudes. I

have been humbled by the strength of these friends, even in the weakened

state of their bodies.

Our salads and our conversations were also seasoned with joyful

stories, and it was refreshing to share highlights that many have

experienced recently. We exchanged pictures and updates on good news, and

we laughed together too.

The truth is, all of us will face valleys and mountaintop experiences

in our lives. It is wonderful to have people with whom we can travel

together across the different terrain. There will be times that will be

hard, and there may be times when we feel very alone.

God never said life would be problem-free, but he did promise to be

ever present.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

cindy@onthegrow.comf7 or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.