I forgot to close the fence! I left the gate open and a dog got in the backyard and took my shoes off the patio. I was upset! I thought about picking up the phone and calling my sister to fuss about this little dog that stole my shoes! But then God spoke to me that this unpleasant thing was a blessing in disguise and a lesson to his stubborn, too busy child. A lesson that reminded her to close the fence. I had opened it a few days prior and forgot/delayed to go back and secure the fence. The frustration of the dog entering through the opened fence and taking my shoes reminded me that much more unpleasant and harmful things could have entered through that fence (robber, etc.). I can replace those shoes that I saw the dog lying across the street chewing on, but it would be more costly to replace TVs and impossible to replace my life, if the house were broken into by an intruder. When faced with unpleasantries, always remember to look for the blessings in disguise and don’t miss the message within!

The biggest trial that I have faced in my life, to date, is the passing of my dad. But I saw so many blessings in disguise during his illness and since his passing. Since I have experienced a loved one battling a serious illness and passing, I now see others, more, who are facing similar situations. People facing grief and bereavement were always there, but I am more aware of them now, and can relate more to what they’re facing. I also have more of a desire now to help, support, comfort and pray for others who have lost a loved one. I know what to pray for based on the blessings that I received during my father’s illness and since his passing. I know what not to say and what not to ask, due to being in a similar situation. I have experienced special days being a little more difficult and I am reminded to love others, who have experienced a lost, a little harder on their special days. I believe I have been able to be a blessing to others because of my own struggle. My struggle was actually a blessing in disguise.

Dealing with anxiety is another struggle where I have been able to be a blessing to others, relate to others and make others more aware of mental illness and treatment. Like I have been told, and say myself, people with diabetes and high blood pressure have to take medicine for their condition, and as such, people with mental illnesses should seek treatment for their health condition, as well. Again, the unpleasantries and the struggles have blessings in disguise. Don’t miss the blessing and the lesson! Be encouraged!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:7-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬