Rain and fog...fog and rain

       I don't know whether to chalk this one up to "Pride goeth before a fall" or to the Lord certainly possesses a great sense of humor.
      Yesterday, I sat on the porch and watched the dark, swirling clouds and rain off in the valley--

 I wrote of my expectation that today's weather would surely be sunny, bright and clear with all those menacing clouds blown away.
       Well, not exactly.
       Yep, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Prov.16:9)
       Here's our spectacular view off the porch this morning--

       Recognize Mt. Pilot in the distance?  I think not...although you can just make out the faint outline of the trees directly in front of the camera in our yard.  Geez.  The fog has moved in, and we discovered there's truth behind the old cliche--there really are times when you cannot see your hand in front of your face.  So much for all our plans for golf, tennis, and swimming at the lake.
       On the other hand, it's a perfect day for reading, eating (carbs taste even better when you're trapped in the house doing nothing), and, of course, card playing.  As I write these words, our children are immersed in a fierce game of Monopoly Deal.  Let me tell you, it can get brutally competitive...not to mention, I'm hearing some serious trash talking.
        ...It's now late afternoon, and it's pretty much been a day of fog and rain...rain and fog. Not exactly what we planned or hoped for on July 4th weekend.  Now the kids are playing spades, eating peanuts, and, of course, talking lots of trash.
        But here's what I'm thinking--yeah, it's not what we planned, but it's so, so sweet hearing everyone all together laughing, talking, playing, and generally enjoying one another's company.  In fact, I'm pretty much in paradise having almost all the children here with us under one roof.  Thank You, Father!  Even now, I can smell the baked potatoes and barbecue chicken baking--yum.  Another thank You to the Giver of all good gifts.  And we're warm and safe and dry even while it's a bit chilly and wet outside.  Thank You again.  Not to mention the joy of happily listening to the beautiful sounds of the people I love.  Oh Father, You are so, so good.
       Lord, You make no mistakes,  and Your plans for us are always ultimately good...including the weather!  Thank You for reminding me once again to choose gratitude rather than grumbling and to recall that all Your plans and ways are the best.
      I couldn't help but think of something I read the other day by F.B. Meyer: "Do you think God made a mistake in your life?  If instead of being a poor man you had been rich, if instead of being a long woman you had had one to call you wife and little children to clutch your dress and call you mother, if instead of being tied to the office stool you had been a minister or missionary, you think that you would have been a better, sweeter character.  But I want you to understand that God chose for you your lot in life out of myriads that were open to Him, because just where you are you might realize your noblest possibilities."
      So thank You, Lord, thank You, for our lot in life, for the people we love, and for every little thing that You have ordained for us, even down to the fog and rain, rain and fog. You make no mistakes, and You always, always, always are working for our good and Your glory.
      To God be the glory.