When I was on a trip this past summer with my parents, we had a layover in Calgary, Canada 🇨🇦 that was just supposed to be a few hours. But due to a mishap, we ended up being stuck in Calgary for an extra day!
Naturally, I was pretty upset at first. I was disappointed to have one less day at our destination, to have to call places and change our plans, and potentially miss out on some things. I think I lowkey cried (not that it takes much lol). But I snapped out of it when I remembered something.
Literally on the way to the airport earlier that day, my parents and I were talking about disappointments my family had dealt with that turned out to be blessings. And the fact that with some disappointments we never get to see the upside. Or it takes a while for us to see it.
And hours later there we were. On the backside of discussing the upside of disappointments, we were faced with our own present disappointment.
Realizing the symmetry between what we discussed and what was happening made me feel a lot better. It reminded me that God is in control and nothing is accidental. So I could let go of my worry and concern and hold on to the fact that this was for the best, even if it didn’t feel like it in the moment.
Peace Bridge
Sometime later, our emotions settled, and it settled in for all of us that this was for the best. So we decided to make the most of the situation! My dad found us a 3 hour bus tour of Calgary the next day - sightseeing and history all in one. And these are pictures I captured during that tour.
Since then, I’ve realized more upsides to the change of plans. And there are probably more I’ll learn of on the other side of Heaven.
And ultimately, this wasn’t like a major disappointment. We just had one less day of our planned vacation. (and one extra day of an unplanned one!) But most importantly, it was an opportunity to practice the art of “letting go and letting God” - of accepting what is, and moving forward with optimism about what is to come.
It reminded me then (and reminds me now) that in the midst of life’s obstacles and disappointments, there is an upside. There is beauty to be found, and wonderful new opportunities to explore. But we first must accept what has happened, and open our arms wide for what the future has in store.
And I can assure you it’s bright ☀️