Often times in life we find ourselves unable to reach our goals or live our dreams due to external hindrances: obligations, fiscal limitations, health, or even catastrophes. These past few weeks I have faced walls prohibiting me from being and doing exactly what I would choose. It is a difficult and frustrating place to be, and I know I am not alone.

Right now I am reading Anne of Avonlea, and our heroine is facing a similar situation. She finished at Queens and won a scholarship to attend college. At that time Matthew dies and Marilla is told she must drastically limit her activities or she will go completely blind. Without hesitation, Anne changes her plans and stays home with Marilla, teaching at the local school. The school year ends and Anne’s old teacher inquires after her college plans. Anne tells how she is still desperately needed at home, “Perhaps college may be around the bend in the road, but I haven’t got to the bend yet.” Her teacher replies, “Well, I should like you to go to college Anne; but if you never do, don’t be discontented about it. We make our lives wherever we are, after all… They are broad or narrow according to what we put into them, not what we get out. Life is rich and full here… everywhere… if we can only learn how to open our whole hearts to its richness and fullness.”

Wherever God has placed you and I, however different from our expectations, it is beautiful, and it can be full. Remember, no matter how crushed your dreams may feel, God is the sovereign one, not us. And He has given you this day, this moment to make glorious, precisely where you are. Besides you never know what is around the bend.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”                                       –James 1:2-4