I was reading in my Message like a month ago in John 9…the one where Jesus meets a man who is blind from birth. His disciples were curious to know who was at fault for it. Jesus’ words especially struck me when I read it this time, like they never had before. After they asked him about it, he replied with this:
“You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do…”Â
I think God made this jump off the pages at me when I read it because he knew I would need to be reminded of it in the near future.  It was only a few days later that I got the news about John and Jenn’s baby’s death and then a while after that I found myself in quite a dark valley in my journey. It’s totally natural to want to blame someone, even if it’s just yourself. But I love the flip he puts on it…I gotta remember the bigger plan and how God can bring such good things from the ugly. When I think about John and Jenn’s road right now I just feel sick. There was never a couple that deserved a healthy baby to love more than they did, but even in adversity they are sure to let God’s light shine through them, and that’s when it will be the most evident whose they are. For me it’s hard to wait on God to see what he’s going to do. But remembering that he does have a plan for me and knowing it’s going to be a big surprise is pretty hugely encouraging. The places he’s brought me and things he’s taught me in the past 3 years in China were all surprises…I never would have guessed that was in the plan. I have nothing to fear in my future. God is good.
That’s all I got. Night.







6 comments
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December 6, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Janet
You are an amazing woman. I love your tender spirit. I’m glad your writing and sharing. You are saying things I need to hear. Thanks.
December 7, 2006 at 5:02 pm
Monica
Hi Shannon! I just found out you started a blog, so I came to read. I wish I could see you in person and give you a hug! I was so disappointed I didn’t get to have a visit when you were in town for Gordon’s funeral, we had to hit the road right away.
What job did you get? I hope you enjoy it, I know it’s always tough starting a new job and finding out what you’re supposed to do and who you can talk to or get help from.
I look forward to what other inspiring thoughts you’ll share with us, and I hope to see you soon!
December 7, 2006 at 10:16 pm
Jen M
Thanks for the cheesecake the other night! It was yummy! I’m glad that you are back in the world of Blogging and I hope you’ll keep sharing your thoughts. There is nothing wrong with taking some time to heal and re-adjust. You are in a tunnel – keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will eventually come out of it (and it’ll be nice and sunny there I promise!). And if you are wanting some quiet time to yourself, you’d better keep a lookout because I can’t promise that Justin and I won’t show up at your door with Baklava and silliness!
Love you lots.
December 8, 2006 at 2:05 pm
Tim
Hey Shannon, good to “hear” your thoughts. That part about asking the wrong question struck me as very interesting – seems like I do that so much in life, especially the low times, and looking for someone to blame… I’m an expert at that. Thanks for sharing.
December 8, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Jenn Wallace
“The places he’s brought me and things he’s taught me in the past 3 years in China were all surprises…I never would have guessed that was in the plan. I have nothing to fear in my future. God is good.”
I would not have dreamed that we would be going through this. I also would not have dreamed how we would get through this. We are truly being carried. We know that God is compassionate and is hurting with us. So much that I have learned and received from John and my mom (and many others) I would not have otherwise. I’m grateful that the future and our Gordon are taken care of.
February 14, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Mary-eb
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