It could be worse – Friday’s Fave Five

The car wreck that could have killed, but instead just left a bruise.

The lump that could have been cancer, but turned out benign.

The job cuts that reached the next cubicle, but stopped at your desk.

Things that are bad. But could have been worse.

Last Saturday, we watched on TV as Auburn’s Zac Etheridge took a hit during the football game. He collapsed on the ground. He tried to move, but couldn’t.

Players took a knee in prayer. Rodney Scott, an Ole Miss player trapped underneath Zac, didn’t even move, but lay perfectly still, for fear of what else might happen if he shifted position and jostled Zac’s body.

Zac couldn’t get up. “I was in shock just not being able to move,” he said. “The only thing I could say was, ‘Jesus, Jesus’ . . . just calling out his name.”

They moved Zac to a stretcher. And when he gave a little thumbs-up, the crowd roared.

What could have happened, didn’t.

He “only” has a cracked fifth vertebrae and torn ligaments. He may or may not play football ever again. But he says he’s blessed that he’s able to walk, and he expects a full recovery. [Read Zac’s story or watch it.]

Zac and his family praise God for that. Me, too.

But rewind. If Zac had immediately popped up after the hit, like he usually did, would we have praised God? Maybe at the end of the game we would have said, “Thanks for no injuries.” But not like we’re praising him now.

When things are going great, we can easily forget God.
And when things are going horribly, we can easily resent God.

But when there’s a little trouble that could get worse, but doesn’t, we’re grateful and give him honor. I can’t explain it, but I observe it and often live it. For example, . . .

1. Rest
I’m a horrible sleeper and had some very restless nights this week . . .

. . . but at least I slept a full seven hours straight last night! Thank you, God, for sweet rest.

2. Working in town
Jeff worked a lot of overtime this week and we didn’t see each other as much as we like to . . .

. . . but at least he has a job and gets to come home to us at the end of the day instead of sleeping in a hotel room in Denver. Thank you, God, for providing for us.

3. Healing   
My sweet 15-yr-old neighbor was hospitalized this week for respiratory distress and they still have no diagnosis . . .

. . . but at least the doctors could give her breathing treatments, oxygen, and steroids, and she is greatly improved and back at home. Thank you, God, for hospitals and medicines and wonderful neighbors.

4. Visits
My college daughter may miss every Thanksgiving meal we have this year . . .

. . . but at least we’ll get to see her before and after, and she’ll be loved wherever she is. Thank you, God, for time spent together.

5. Glasses
I think my vision has taken another small detour in the wrong direction lately . . .

. . . but at least I have reading glasses when I need them, and an eye doctor available when I choose to go. Thank you, God, for the ability to see.

* * *

Yes, things could be worse. MUCH worse . . .

. . . but instead, they’re good. VERY good! Thank you, God.

Rejoice always, 
pray without ceasing, 
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

(Join Susanne and the gang
for more Friday’s Fave Five.)