Together For Good

I believe that “all things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) No, I don’t think all things are good; in fact, everyone knows that all things aren’t good. Bad things happen all the time.

In 2003, my life was thrown into chaos when the way of life that I had known for over 15 years and had planned to be a part of my future was ripped away in an instant. That morning, I had played the piano, accompanied the orchestra, led the children’s choir, sung with a trio and then shared a celebratory luncheon with the friends who were more like family. It was a perfect morning.

And then, it was over. In a meeting later that evening, I was told I was “no longer needed.” Fifteen plus years of love and life and service and now, it was over. It is six years later and I still feel the hurt and the pang of injustice and unfairness. Is it for real? For me, this was as horrible as a divorce. I loved the smell of that place. I loved the feel of the chairs and the hugs of the people who embraced me as family. I loved the sound of the floors creaking and the voices echoing down the halls. I knew every nook and cranny. All I knew and thought would be a part of my life was shredded. It was definitely not a “good thing.”

The healing is slow. I still feel it today almost as if it happened yesterday. Sometimes it takes my breath away. It’s hard to find your way again when you feel so hurt and yet, this I believe… “all things work together for good.” I married after waiting 42 years for a husband. I have a new daughterm son-in-law and a wonderful granddaughter who bring joy to each day. I still have parents and siblings, nieces and nephews who have stood beside me throughout the struggle.

My family has allowed me to reach out and take the risk to love and care about others again. I have a job that allows me share music with children daily. My husband has also been through tragedy and understands the hurt of loss and betrayal. He allows me to grieve and then helps me to see each day as a blessing. God is using this experience to teach me to feel others pain in a way I might never have been able to before.

There have been other “not good” things in these past years, but because I experienced God holding me through the storm before, I continue to look for the ways that He is “working things together” for me now. Seeing and experiencing those moments allows me to grow and to recognize the blessings in each new day.

No, all things are definitely NOT good, but this I definitely believe… God is in control and He is working in my life. There’s peace in that.