Monday; April 8

Sometime today – somewhere in our nation’s midsection – someone(s) are going to get to experience something pretty cool – maybe. Now, if you go back and reread that previous statement, you might shake your head and wonder why the hesitation. Well, while the scientists are pretty confident about the eclipse they expect to happen, there are a few caveats to whether it is witnessed or not; the most likely of which is clouds. Oh, that might not influence whether the eclipse occurs, but it will definitely impact whether people in a particular area get to see it. I am sure that there will be some people somewhere who will be disappointed.

As I thought about this event I was reminded of how little control many of us have over our circumstances. Sure, there are definitely things within our span of control, but there is a lot about life that we have no say in. Whether it is natural disasters, certain health issues, international fiscal health or a lot of other things, about the best we can do in some circumstances is respond to what lands on our plate. We often talk about contentment and cite the biblical principle that states, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ” (Philippians 4:11) and, while that can help us stand before the Lord, the ability to be contented can actually help us with our day-to-day lives. When we accept things for the way they are, we are able to manage our emotions and have the presence of mind to manipulate circumstances so that they are most favorable to us. We may not be able to control what has happened, but are in a better position to make the best of it.

If you are in the area of the eclipse, I hope you get a chance to experience its fullness. If not, make the most of the day anyway. We can’t control the weather, but we do get voice in how we weather the circumstances.

Think About It!

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