get used to disappointment

This phrase comes from one of my favorite scenes of "The Princess Bride"...the infamous duel atop the Cliffs of Despair.  I don't like being disappointed (does anyone?) and I've observed many attempts to avoid it among the people around me and I've even tried some of them.  I love having something to look forward to...birthdays, holidays, quality time with family and friends, concerts, and on and on.  I enjoy the anticipation as much or more than the actual event.  (I know...I'm weird, but please stick with me!)  I'm also a planner.  I usually have an idea about how I think things should go.  Rarely, does life follow my plan!

For example, today was a pool day with friends.  All of us have been looking forward to today since we left our last pool day a month ago.  We got to City Park Pool (a fun outside pool) and all was well until the life guards blew their whistles and shouted "every body out, there's poop in the pool!"  So the boys got out and waited for over an hour while the pool staff took care of the "fecal matter" (my son's choice of words).  Not too long after everyone returned to the water, ominous clouds moved overhead.  Thunder and lightening and rain and hail drove us from the pool once more!  This time we moved to an indoor pool for another hour of swimming.  Not quite the relaxing afternoon at the pool that I had envisioned.

I had an attitude choice to make today.  I could choose disappointment and frustration and sadness that things didn't go my way.  Or I could be grateful for some quality time (and sunshine before the storm) with my "just be" friend while we were waiting with the boys.  I chose the second option...in case you were wondering.

Every cell in my body has become convinced of the truth of Romans 8:28, whether things go "my way" or not.  "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  I've written about this verse before.  It's one I say to myself more than once a day.  When we love God and respond to His call to fulfill His purpose, He works in ALL things for our good.  Always, always, always.  Even when life doesn't follow MY plan.  Even when I am disappointed.

I will never get used to disappointment.  But, I will feel disappointed now and then.  And when disappointment comes my way, I will remind myself that God is working in ALL things for my good!