When People Disappoint You

Dear grandkids

What will you do when people disappoint you, or things don’t turn out as you expected?

We have always been optimists. We went to Columbia, SA in our early 20’s with great expectation. I am not sure that I can explain why we were so optimistic, as so many things awaited us that would be tests of this optimism, that we should have despaired if we knew what was coming.

In spite of the challenges of those early years as missionaries and then as local church leaders, we largely remained optimistic, expectant that God had called us and would do much through us.

Over the many years of challenges, filled with occasional disappointments, and a few deep hurts, we maintain optimistic. Along the way, we have learned two important things.

One, people will disappoint you. Yes, others will greatly encourage you. But, too often it seems that the ones who disappoint us linger more in our minds than the ones who encourage us!

We hold on to God’s promise. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18)

Two, doing the will of God brings great joy, even when it is difficult. People are helped, encouraged. Some are rescued, eternally. And, there is the added joy that we find meaning.

Grandma and grandpa Smith always gave themselves to people. Even as a little one, I can remember days and nights upon end when they were encouraging and helping people.

Just a few days ago, we were talking about how grandmas house was always full of people. They didn’t have much, but what they had, Grandma still vividly remembers it being shared with others.

May God give you the joy of greater number of people who encourage you, and, protect you from those who will disappoint.