After further review (some NFL lingo for you, there) I’m thankful for some really bad stuff that happened.
And not only that, I’m thankful for a lot of good stuff that didn’t.
It hurt, but I’m glad I didn’t get that office management job a long time ago. I thought it would be God’s way of helping me provide for my family. I was a finalist. I had it all worked out. It made so much sense. When I got the news that they didn’t pick me, it stung. I had to do something else (like be a radio announcer or DJ or whatever we call it.)
Looking back: Man, am I glad they didn’t pick me. I might not have been terrible, but I’m pretty sure I’m more cut out for what I’m doing now.
I’m glad that girl in high school broke my heart. I had a crush on her. I found her very attractive. I thought I might someday marry her. She did not find me very attractive, and did not think I might someday marry her. Yeah, it was a blow. Looking back, I’m really glad it didn’t work out. No way, if you asked me in high school, I would have thought I’d ever, ever, ever be glad about that.
I’m sure you can make a list like this. “Awesome Stuff I Wanted to Happen But Wow I’m Glad It Didn’t Work Out.” In fact, you probably should make that list. It’s helpful to remind ourselves of the faithfulness of God, especially when things aren’t seemingly breaking our way. We can remind ourselves that there’s been a bigger story before, so there’s probably a bigger story now, too.
I did an “I Am Second” video talking about this, but one thing I never thought I’d be thankful for, but now am: I’m thankful for my Autism Spectrum diagnosis. It’s often been painful, socially –especially growing up– but God has used my experiences to shape me. You know what? I wouldn’t change it.
I was raised around a lot of religious hypocrisy. God has used that, too. I feel like everything I say simply must be what I actually believe, or I won’t say it. I think that’s been helpful.
It’s not a cliche, it’s a promise: “We know that in all things God works for the good for those who love Him,” Paul writes in Romans. It doesn’t mean He smiles at tragedy or hurt.
It does mean He can redeem it.
By Brant Hansen
Brant Hansen has no idea what he’s doing. He keeps showing up, and people keep asking him to do stuff, and he keeps saying yes. Except when he has to say no, and then he feels kinda guilty about it. Brant is diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. It causes him to say things you’re not supposed to say, apparently. But he asks God to please, please help him not to hurt people, but to be a blessing to them. You can get to know him more on The Brant Hansen Show.
