By the end of the day Thursday, Don didn’t know whether to pull me into his arms and comfort me … or run.  It seemed that everything that could go wrong throughout the day, did.

We had driven to San Jose to pick up our laptops, in for repairs. “Ready to go,” was the verdict. However, two more issues showed up when I tested mine. Eddie fixed both and sent us on our way. We enjoyed a late breakfast at that wonderful French eatery, Jacque n le Boq, and enjoyed our visit en route home in a welcome rain. Fighting a sore throat, I was quieter than usual.

My sweet husband suggested we make my bank and grocery stops before going home so I didn’t have to do those errands later. Parking was full, so Don dropped me off in front of the ATM. Walking toward the machine, I realized I had the wrong card in my hand. (Why are all my new credit cards lookalike red?) I turned to go switch cards … and couldn’t see Don’s car anywhere! Frustration mounted. When he finally drove up, Don thought I was finished. Not done, but simmering! I traded cards and made the deposit, and once again couldn’t find the car. Don was actually parked nearby but he was in a place where neither of us could see the other.

On to groceries … that went quite smoothly, and we returned home.

My computer logged onto the network immediately. Don’s didn’t. I spent the next three hours on the phone … Clickaway. Comcast. Nothing worked. Since I was on the phone I also asked why I couldn’t get Netflix on TV, and was directed to LG TV. It didn’t take the gal long to tell us we don’t have a smart TV, so we can’t get Netflix on it. Three hours on the phone and all I learned was that we have a “dumb” (but beautiful) TV!

Tired.

Frustrated.

Irritable.

Problems I couldn’t fix.

Feeling ill, light-headed.

NOT a good day. And this stuff is all minor in light of the real crises in our world – bombings in Paris, shootings in San Bernardino, and a gang-related shooting in Wichita in which a friend of a friend lost her sister-in-law. Add to that illness, holiday loneliness, and a higher rate of suicide during holidays.

Last weekend Pastor Rene spoke about “Change of Plans.” Often our plans change due to circumstances beyond our control. How will we react? Will we keep our eyes focused on Jesus or be swallowed by the frustration of the moment?

When I climbed into bed beside Don last night, we talked through the day. Thankfully, we were both able to laugh together about the confluence of frustrations.  “OK Rene, you warned us …”

I looked at my hubby, his arms enfolding me, and said “Today I failed. I did nothing like Jesus.”

But this morning is the start of a new day. I still can’t get Don’s laptop online, despite much effort. But I’m trying to keep my focus on Jesus rather than on the laptop connection. This will eventually be resolved and, more important than the resolution of the problem, will be how I respond.

What’s your challenge today?

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.   James 1:2-3 MSG