Scowl like Scrooge or give thanks? In this post, I’m sharing the difference between a disappointment and an appointment and how to turn a disappointment to an appointment.
Appointments
As I look back on much of my 2020 calendar — I use a daily paper one in addition to my digital one — I see lots of crossed out appointments. Empty squares where there were supposed to be trips, conferences, classes, weddings, celebrations, meetings. And yep, I’m disappointed. The virtual things substituted, but they came up short, kind of like how 50/50 poly-cotton sheets just don’t quite feel like the real deal.
Yet since March, when I started turning the pages on my empty planner, I had a choice.
Scowling like Scrooge?
I could complain, worry, fret, pace, panic, and scowl like Scrooge when goodness was right in front of his face. I did plenty of that.
Or I could look at all those appointments I missed and say, “Amazing. I live a full life!” and realize that every single one of those cancelled appointments became something new. Instead of one big trip with college girlfriends, we chat almost every week virtually. Instead of an in-person Pilates class, I unroll my mat at home. Truth? Sometimes, this turns into a power nap.
Another truth? I Scrooged my way through many days, for sure. (My gracious Savior has forgiven me these ugly moments.)
But two things help me turn those disappointments into appointments.
- Giving thanks for at least one blessing each day, even if it was just a simple I-have-a-roof-over-my-head. Sometimes I write them down. Other times, I add them to my prayers.
- Remembering what I am appointed to do. As I recently heard, it’s a good practice to ask God, “What is mine to do today?”
Today, I’m going to keep this appointment, by the grace of God. He chose me to do this: I will love.
I pray your day will be filled with lovely appointments too.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
John 15:12-17 ESV
I wrote this post in response to the Five-Minute Friday writing community prompt and the word of the week: disappoint. Looking for more devotions and reflections on faith? Click here.
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