When The Answer Is No

 


     In the early fifties, my dad and my stepmother were deeply involved in raising chinchillas. So much so that, Dad became the president of the chinchilla association. One summer while visiting them in College Station, Texas, I asked if I could have a collar made from the fur to wear with my cardigan sweater. To me it would have been something different, and something I could enjoy and maybe brag about.

     My stepmother answered in a stern voice, "No, it would devalue it." Her response hurt my feelings and left me wondering why something that seemed so special wasn't allowed.

     Even though I didn't get what I asked for that summer, I walked away with something far better.  While I was there, we visited a fellow chinchilla enthusiast. He lived in a rundown shotgun house. Its walls were covered with all kinds of pictures and handwritten sayings. As we sat in the living room, one in particular caught my attention. Even though I was young I never forgot it.   

    

    Frown about your troubles, they grow double every day.

Smile about your troubles like a bubble blown away.

                                               Author unknown


When The Answer Is No 

There are times in life we are disappointed.

Life can be tough when we are told no.

If we reach out to the One who is anointed,

Our heart can be lifted and not sink so low.


The feelings we have don't always stay. 

God is in control and knows what is best. 

He hears our prayers when we take time to pray.

Even in denial, we are still blessed.


That's been true since the beginning of mankind.

He watches as we put our trust in Him.

No greater love in life will we ever find,

  And with Him, hope never grows dim.

                                Patricia Westbrook


     "And we know that all things happen for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28, NKJV. 




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