Katie Piazza
If you know me at all, you know that I am an L.M. Montgomery fan. And by fan, I mean addicted to the point that the entire world stops for me when I’m reading her books. For those of you who aren’t aware, L.M. Montgomery is the author of Anne of Green Gables and the creator of the most enchanting red-haired, freckled-faced girl in the world. One of my favorite Anne Shirley quotes is, “I don’t know what lies around the bend [in the road], but I’m going to believe that the best does.” Coming into the new year has brought this quote to mind, and the quote speaks to my optimistic heart. I’ve broken out my new calendars; I’ve cracked open a new daily planner…before me lies empty days that hum with pleasant possibilities. I am an optimist through and through; and yet life has taught me to be a realist. I let my dreams run wild, all the while bracing for impact.
The truth is “the best” may not be what lies around the bend for me. The days may not pass beautifully by like “pearls falling slowly from a string” (another Anne Shirley quote). 2021 may not live up to my high hopes for it. And yet, I do not despair! And neither should you. Even if you aren’t like me with an insatiable desire to view the world through rose-colored glasses, can I at least encourage you not to look at the future with fear. Don’t shy away, don’t let your soul shudder. Don’t let the unknown, “the bend in the road,” push you towards a life of fear.
None of us know the future, and, what often feels more terrifying, none of us can control the future! But here is the thing of comfort…every day there is a God in Heaven Who is writing the script of your life. Carefully, lovingly, wisely penning every detail of your life. Who you will meet, what you will see, every moment, every detail…there is no chance. There is only a good God, working His good plans. Though the plans may often in the moment seem the very opposite of good; we have God’s promise in Romans 8:28 that in the end (the real end!) we will understand each and every one of them to be the wisest, kindest choice.
In the meantime, trust Him. Trust His goodness. Trust His faithfulness. Trust His wisdom, His power, His love. You are safe.
“It is the Lord Who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8
Go for the bend in the road…run towards it, embrace it! Whatever lies beyond it has been approved by your good, good Father. Happy 2021!
For more hope and encouragement as you travel through the ups and downs of life follow me on Facebook at Colette the Victorious. https://m.facebook.com/Colette-the-Victorious-103414871575330/
Read my book Victorious: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey through the Valley of the Shadow to learn the paradoxical triumph that can be found through Christ alone. https://amzn.to/2LjZcYJ
