Dealing with Life's What-ifs

             One of my most precious childhood memories is of working with my Grandfather in his garden.  I was a frequent visitor at my Grandparents’ house, which was just on the other side of their strawberry patch.  Papa was semi-retired, and his passion was gardening.  I was only about 6 or 7 when I began following him around as he patiently cared for his crops.  Eventually, he shortened a hoe handle so that I could join him in dealing with those pesky weeds.  That hoe is still one of my prized possessions. 

            Though he had retired, Papa still drove a school bus for special trips.  In May, when I was about 8 ½, while driving a group of kids on a school trip, he had a heart attack, and suddenly everything changed.  While I didn’t fully understand, I knew that Papa was in the hospital, and then, when he finally came home, we didn’t spend much time in the garden.  One day, my Mom had to take my Grandmother to an appointment, so she left my brother and me with Papa—something I normally would have loved, but not that day.  I was terrified.  I knew enough to know that Papa was still sick, and I still remember being so scared that something would happen to him while Mom was gone.  That’s the only time that I can remember that I didn’t want to be with my Papa.

            That afternoon, I was afraid of all the what-ifs.  I had heard everyone talking about how he had collapsed, and all I could think was, “What if he just falls over?”  Fortunately, Mom was only gone for a short time, and nothing happened, but I’ve never forgotten that day. I can still remember how scared I was of being left alone with Papa.

            Unfortunately, I doubt that any of us has gone through life without those moments of fear.  The “what-ifs” often paralyze us as they spiral out of control.  Not knowing how those “what-ifs” might turn out can deprive us of the joy of the moment.  I should have relished that afternoon with my precious Papa, but I couldn’t because of my fear. 

            Fortunately, as Christians, we know the One who knows the future.  He knows which of those “what ifs” might become reality, and He will be with us through every one of those moments.  David said it like this, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV84). Jesus also assured us that He will be with us in those moments of uncertainty and fear. He said,

            “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV84).

            That day when Mom left my brother and me alone with my Papa, I was too young to understand that I didn’t have to be afraid.  Over the past 65 years, I’ve grown a lot in my faith.  I won’t deny that there are still times when I am afraid, but now I know who is with me in every storm.  I put my trust in Jesus. He is my Peace amid the “what-ifs”.

Psalm 27:1 – 14

John 14:27  

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