Reality Check with Ann Downing...

A couple of days ago Karissa and I were driving along through a beautiful part of Arkansas. As we topped a long hill, something akin to a mountain, she made the comment as she looked out over the valley and river below that that must be what the promised land looked like. We discussed the historical, Biblical fact that Moses didn't get to pass over into the promised land after leading those wandering people along for forty years, listening to their groans, whines, naysaying, etc. God's plan was for Joshua to finish that mission. Now, I'll admit, I'm not sure I can understand that part of God's plan, not that I'd need to. It sure seems unfair on the surface of things, doesn't it? That Moses would do all the work, and then not be allowed to experience the "finish line benefits"? But he did get to experience it, didn't he? When it's God's will, it's the right "finish line", no matter. How many times have we been ...

There have been times I was convinced a certain somebody didn't like me. Just a little "signal" here and there that I thought I'd picked up on that said something was wrong with me in their eyes. Then, more than once I've found that that person didn't feel that way towards me at all...in fact, have learned that in some cases they were thinking the same thing..."she doesn't like me". What's wrong with us?????? :). Jan Silvious wrote...."when I go into a room, I just assume that everybody in that room likes me, then whatever happens, I won't feel insecure...imagining someone doesn't like me". I think that's a pretty good way of looking at it, don't you? I mean, if they like you, you aren't surprised, if they don't like you, you'll likely not even notice.

It really is true that you can't know what someone else is feeling or where they're living if you've never walked in their shoes....and of course, we can't walk in those shoes with another, no matter how much we'd like to. However, there is something powerful in hearing assurances like "I love you and just wanted you to know that". I have to be honest and say I wasn't very good at showing mercy, love and understanding before my husband Paul's 56-day stay in critical care 250 miles from home before his journey to Heaven. It would have been next to impossible for me to go through those days and nights without reassurances over and over and over again that I wasn't alone. I admit I don't remember many of those pieces of advice that were offered...but I never fail to remember with a grateful heart those kind and comforting "I'm walking as close to you and with you as I can", "I hurt with you", "I'm so ...