What lies ahead...

My garage was infested with ants last week. Literally thousands of them were following a trail up our driveway toward the "promised land" of our weekly 30-gallon garbage can. What a journey it must be for those little guys. Walking single-file for the equivalent of miles and miles to an unknown destination. As they trudge along they must grow irritated. "Where the heck are we going?" "How much longer?" "Who's running this show??" "Why does Archie get to be in front of Amy and next to Arnold, and I'm stuck here behind Angus??" ...etc. Little do they know that what lies ahead is the single greatest feast and treat that they will ever see. Far down the assembly line, they don't realize that the tiny load they bear will contribute greatly to the palace that will be built.

I realize that this analogy has probably been drawn before, but it hit home with me today as I was caring for my patients. One of the mom's in my pod was forced to induce her labor because of PIH (toxemia). Her baby died as a result of her severe prematurity, but her life was spared. The patient was 40 years old and this was her very first pregnancy. She had held off having children, because she was an Olympic athlete and had devoted her youth to her sport. The questions rattled through my mind....much like the ants. Why would this be happening? What is God's plan for her future? Where is he leading her now?? Who is in charge here??? While from her place in line the road is single-file and desolate, my patient must accept that what lies ahead is beyond her wildest imagination....that God has a plan. If he provides for even the smallest ant on my driveway, how much more will He provide for his own beloved child?!

I pray for peace and understanding for my patient. However, if it never comes to her, I pray for a magnificent kingdom celebration and reuniting with her lost child. I also pray that God will help me to be a diligent worker, leader, and encourager on the tough roads of life....Let me not find joy ONLY in the feast, but also in the famine. His grace is sufficient, and I am thankful. This is how I felt.