This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. Psalm 34:6
 
So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10
 
God never gives up on any of us, his children. We just need to turn to him and accept him into our lives both when we struggle and when we thrive. Sometimes it is difficult to feel that God has a plan for each one of us. Life is difficult at best for many. As we pray, hope, and wait, we know in the depths of our hearts that  God can bring us the peace that passes all understanding. Will there be struggles that we cannot understand? Probably, but we have God on our side at all times. 
 
I think of the little boy featured in an episode of Steve Hartman's CBS series, On the Road. The boy, whom I will call Jimmy, was an only child and had lost both parents by the time he was four years old. He cried and cried for days and then one day asked his aunt if they could go buy toys to give away. They went to the store and bought  many small toys. Then Jimmy and his aunt set out to give the toys to strangers on the streets in their town. Jimmy said that he was tired of feeling sad and had to see smiles. He also received many hugs. Whenever they could, they continued their excursions to bring smiles to the faces of strangers. Jimmy said that he still has sad times, but seeing all of those smiles made him feel good inside.
 
What a sweet way for the door of hope to open for Jimmy. Jimmy's solution to his depth of sadness is just one example of how life can take an unexpected turn that brings us back to God's incredible goodness.   
 
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Thank you for always being there with arms wide open to welcome us and carry our burdens. You forgive us when we are slow to seek you. You help us to know that you are greater than any trouble we could have. Give us joy in living close to you each day. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield 
Ministries
Teaching Mission Party