A terrible clatter. Crashing. I stop my phone conversation with a gutter installer and listen. The sound came from inside our under-construction house where my husband is doggedly working on wiring. The sound sends chills down my spine. But I hear another sound. Maybe his hole saw? He must be OK, just dropped something big. A few minutes pass and there’s a noise at the door of our RV. The door opens and there’s my husband hunched over in pain.
The noise I had heard was his ladder coming out from under him while he was installing electrical wiring near the peak of the vault. He landed on top of the ladder which had preceded him to the floor. What do we do? Wait and see how he feels? Go to the ER now?
Ever notice how trouble seems to come in clusters? The next day he seems ok, but I get unwelcome news from my doctor. The following day he sneezes and the pain is intense. The following day we get x-rays of his ribs. Nothing broken. But the pain isn’t getting better. A week passes. My computer dies. I can’t write the weekly installment of this blog. We return to the hospital. This time a CT scan shows my husband has two broken ribs, one of which is displaced. But we’re elated. The scan also showed his only kidney hasn’t been injured, nor have any other organs. Broken ribs are painful, but they heal. We sigh with relief. But there’s something small on his lung. The doctor says not to worry. But follow up to make sure it’s benign. Arg.
No one we hired shows up to do the work my husband can’t do. Come on. Couldn’t they at least return our calls? The unfinished house sits silent. Husband is restless from pain and from boredom. We ache over some family members. Didn’t want to hear that news this week. Wife is restless from worry and computerlessness. And Angry at things in general. But so very thankful. Above all, thankful. So many people have it much harder than we ever had it.
So what should we do when hard things pile up? Little annoyances, big disappointments, pain, frustration, misunderstandings, life in an imperfect world. My emotions are untrustworthy. I keep telling myself to soldier on, but sometimes the tears come and I falter. Or anger suddenly spills out in an unguarded moment.

I find that anchoring my soul to God’s unswerving promises holds me in the storm. “I am with you always.” Jesus in Matthew 28:20 “your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:32-33

I find that looking for things to be grateful for puts me in a positive frame of mind. “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalms 9:1

I find that reminding myself often that God is in charge of my small life and the universe brings me peace. “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalms 33:11

I find that having a running conversation with God keeps my mind from running wild with worry. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6

I find that looking at beautiful things soothes my soul. Music does the same. After all, man’s perfect first home was a beautiful garden.  “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”  Psalm 19:1

I find that reminding myself that Jesus is my kind Boss makes me content.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23