by Brooks Boynton
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Our school recently purchased a new DVD/VCR recorder for copying game tapes to swap with opposing schools. We already had a set-up that worked just fine, but I thought I would be helpful and hook up our new equipment. Before doing so, I checked with the head coach to make sure he was okay with it. What I didn’t anticipate was his unhooking everything before I had a chance to look at the wad of wires.
Understand, I’m already technologically challenged, but the thought of me being responsible for anything concerning “RCA plugs” or DVD + RW = disaster. When I realized I was going to have to figure everything out without a guide to look at, I got really anxious. Keep in mind, we were in the middle of the season and we used this equipment daily. It’s not like I was going to have a day or so to look over the owner’s manual and figure everything out.
That’s how life is sometimes. The unexpected happens. You want to have time to ask questions, to look at a guide and think, but day-to day living requires that you move on. The world doesn’t stop turning. What might seem like a small matter often gets blown out of proportion. The best way to prepare for surprises is to expect the unexpected. How? By reading the Owner’s Manual, God’s word, daily-and not just when you are hit with a surprise.
This story has a good ending. I got everything hooked up-with some help. I certainly prayed that I would not become anxious, and God delivered.
Are you preparing yourself for life’s surprises? Be encouraged by reading God’s word daily.
