When we can't see clearly

Sue and I have recently returned from two weeks' holiday.  Despite the fact that we had lots of rain during the fortnight (especially during the first week, which we spent in the Lake District), we thoroughly enjoyed our break.

The second week of our holiday was spent in Scarborough, which is just about my favourite place.  I love being by the sea, and Scarborough in particular holds very many special memories for me.  Scarborough, in common, I suspect, with many seaside resorts, has many benches for people to sit on, particularly along the Esplanade.  Almost all of the benches have been donated by people in remembrance of a loved one; some of the plaques giving details are quite moving.  Many benches have been placed so that anyone using them can enjoy a beautiful sea view.

One day during our stay in Scarborough, Sue and were returning from a long walk and as we made our way up a fairly steep incline we spotted a welcoming bench, and decided to have a rest.  This bench had been placed on a pathway, and was facing the sea.  Unfortunately, when I sat down my view of the sea was almost totally obscured by a tree!  Perhaps in the winter period, when the leaves have fallen, one might get a better view from that bench (though whether the temperatures at that time of the year will be conducive to sitting on benches is another matter).

As I sat there pondering on the situation, into my mind came a thought relating to the tough times which we sometimes face in life.  No life is completely straightforward or plain sailing.  There are times when we feel as if we've come up against a brick wall on life's pathway, when we come face-to-face with a really difficult issue.  This could be a serious health problem, a difficult relationship, financial or work-related struggles, or a host of other matters.  The view ahead becomes obscure; we cannot understand what is happening or how to cope, and perhaps the question "Why?" pops into our mind.  Why has God allowed this to happen?  Does he have a purpose in my situation?

Just because the tree obscured my view, it did not mean that the beautiful view was no longer there; it was just that I couldn't see it.  When I moved to a different vantage point, the view which had previously been obscured became visible.  When big issues and difficult problems face us in life, when all seems dark and unclear, we need to remember that God is always able to see the "big picture" with a clear view.  Our calling is to trust him.