Bad days. Remembering God.

Here’s what I hate: bad days.

“Yesterday was plain awful.” Little orphan Annie begins her song.

“You can say that again.” Sings Daddy Warbucks.

Yesterday, (well certain moments of yesterday), were plain awful. At least, living in the minutes of worry and pain were awful. Looking back, I don’t know that I should be using the word “awful” so liberally. Don’t you hate that when you feel like you’ve experienced something really horrible and when you are recounting it later it doesn’t seem so bad after all? I hate that.

Anyway, let’s get to what was “awful” about yesterday. I had several things looming out in front of me and felt like I was on my own to accomplish them. It was the first time that I really felt alone without extended family in town to help me. When my sweet, wonderful husband is working, who can I call when I need a ride after dropping my car at the shop, or I need my kids picked up because I can’t get there in time, or I have a doctor’s appointment?? I was facing all three of these possibilities and feeling very worried.

On top of that, I have some weird, itchy rash on my shins which is spreading around my legs up to my knees. We have no idea what it is. (Thus, the need for a doctor’s appointment.) Physical pain is tricky. Our minds are so easily distracted by it. I could have a hangnail and be on the brink of tears while in the midst of dinner preparation. Ailments of any kind stack up as roadblocks right in the middle of the nice smooth paths of our lives. A beautiful day can be ruined by a headache. A sweet moment can be instantly soured by a stubbed toe. Or, as in my case, an itchy rash can make minor logistical issues seem ten times bigger.

So, I was feeling overwhelmed, all alone, worried, and itchy. Sound at least slightly awful to you? Okay, so let’s start again. Yesterday was faintly unpleasant. (Doesn’t have as much impact when I am trying to whine about something.)

In any case, here’s the good part: remembering. Remembering the pain all over again? Nope, remembering the rescue. Okay, so it wasn’t some dramatic parting-of-the-Red-Sea type rescue. But the Lord did work in my life in very practical ways. Here’s how. Erin called back. My sweet friend and neighbor, Erin, called to say that she was finished with her obligations for the day and would be happy to pick up the girls for me so that I could get the car fixed. Sigh. One huge item checked off my list. I had been feeling really sorry for myself having no family in town and then the Lord shows me a sister (in Christ) who was truly eager to help me. What a blessing!

But, I was still itchy. The doctor couldn’t see me for four more days, and by then the rash could spread to my whole body for all I knew. Then, my dad called. He asked how I was. I replied with a weepy, overwhelmed rambling about no family in town, feeling horrible to use Erin, and complaints of my mystery rash. I’m sure he was glad he called. Fortunately, the Lord had him zero in on the rash issue. Almost exactly like the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, my dad uses Bactine as a cure-all rather than Windex. “Put a little Bactine on it.” My dad said reassuringly. He then continued with a sweet and encouraging pep-talk, but it was the Bactine advice that later helped. When the itch flared up, I dabbed a Bactine-doused cotton-ball all over the crazy rash and what do you know? Itch relief! Thank the Lord!

Maybe all of this sounds trivial to you. Actually, it is trivial. But, I am so thankful for a God who reaches down and helps handle even the most minor anxieties. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I can look back in my life and see several huge rescues made by the Prince of Peace. I love remembering the work of the Lord during truly awful times. But, why not just take a look back at yesterday and give Him credit for the little interventions too? After all, the whole point of remembering God’s work in your life is so that when you face new similar situations, your faith muscles will kick into gear and you’ll KNOW that God can handle this because you’ve seen Him do it before.

This can (should!) apply to the “minor” struggles and anxieties as well. The Lord is about intimately walking with us. When we seek His help in the small as well as the large issues in life, we show that we trust Him and we give Him the glory. I love the way God calmly gives us the earthly boosts we ask for. Even when we should trust in Him without question, He permits us to voice our every concern and then provides practical help when we need it. (Like physical friends and Bactine.) I know God is with me every second, but like Gideon I often need signs. So, the Lord ordains things that bring peace and wisdom and direction. Things that help us feel sure and confident.

So, I remember the awful moments of years past and see the powerful, dramatic rescues. And, I remember the mildly unpleasant moments of Thursday and see God’s faithful, loving work in even the minor anxieties of life.

Here's what I love: Remembering God.

Think about it for a minute. How did you see God work in your life yesterday?