Prince Rupert
It's frightening how upset we can get with ourselves over minor details. As I
was driving towards Prince Rupert in Northern B.C, I was on the lookout for the
Kitwanga Fort National Historic Site, locally known as "Battle Hill". It was
also the former site of the Gitksan fortress, which fell under the attack of
invading clans, and most importantly, it was high up on my kids' "want to do"
list for Northern B.C.
As our desired destination drew near, I watched attentively for signs to this
Historical site, but to no avail. I knew we had to be near Kitwanga, but there
weren't even any indications on the road for the town itself. Suddenly I noticed
a large Petro-Canada gas station on my right, and I pulled in to fill the tank.
I couldn't help but wonder why such a large gas station would be located out
here in the middle of nowhere, but with a tank full of gas, we were soon back on
the road, searching for our desired attraction. Half an hour went by before we
finally clued in that we had missed the cut-off.
The only thing we could figure was that the Petro-Canada must have marked the
street we should have turned on. We could have turned around of course, but then
we would add an extra hour to our driving time, and we would risk not having the
time to explore all of Prince Rupert, as our ferry for Alaska would be leaving
early the next morning.
After a somewhat heated discussion with my family, we all opted to not turn
back. Actually, my family was very forgiving, and the "heated" part of the
discussion was simply a result of me being unable to forgive myself! I felt like
a total failure. Why hadn't I taken the time to ask the gas attendant for
directions? (It is true that we men tend to dislike asking for directions . . .
It must have something to do with our genes!) Why had I not been more vigilant
in watching for signs? Now I was a disappointment to my kids and to my wife.
As I was kicking myself for my stupidity, a verse came to mind: "Sing and make
music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for
everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph 5:19-20 NIV)
"But Lord, how can I do this right now? I am still fuming about my stupid
mistake."
The answer was clear: "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the
very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God
provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." (1
Peter 4:11 NIV)
With the strength God provided me, I began thanking Him, and claiming the
promise that somehow it would all turn out for the best. As I did so, I felt a
huge burden fall from my shoulders and I was completely at peace.
How easy it is to stay focused and at peace if we depend solely on God and not
on ourselves! If we let circumstances start to dictate our lives however, misery
invades and consumes us.
May we learn to always depend on God's strength and to thank Him continuously
for everything. Even the bad stuff! Only then will we constantly remain at
peace. Only then will we be a sweet aroma to God and to those around us.
Have you missed anything lately? Thank God wholeheartedly.
Don't have the strength to do so? He'll give it to you! You'll be amazed what a
difference this will make in your life!
P. S. As it was, we barely had time to explore Prince Rupert. If we had found
the attraction in question, we would have had a different dilemma to face!
Rob Chaffart
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