Life doesn’t always go the way we expect. My mom used to joke, “If you ever want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.” That’s not to say that God is cruel, but I suppose it’s like hearing a child tell his parent that he wants to raise unicorns and fawns in Narnia when he grows up. We who know better can’t help but laugh at such a wrongheaded idea.

I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. And I have felt divine guidance in that quest, so I don’t think that plan was off-base. In addition, I have strived to better myself by forgiving as I would like to be forgiven, being a friend to everyone, loving my wife and children to the best of my ability, and humbling myself rather than being forced to be humble. As I did these things, I readied myself for the hard times that inevitably come.

Good Friends and Bad Setbacks

My friend Jordan sent a very kind message to me recently. I needed that. A month ago, I published two Cinematic Chiasmus articles he inspired: X2: X-Men United and The Running Man. He’s been right about every film he’s suggested for that type of analysis, and I attribute that to a wonderful thing that happens when two people fuel each other’s positivity. Great ideas are born when good people work together in a spirit of generosity.

I recently faced a major personal setback, but it’s one I’ve been preparing for over the past five years. So I’ll be okay. And I trust that nothing in this life is random or pure chance. There’s a reason for the trial I’m going through, and I’m sure I’ll end up in a good position.

Following Joseph’s Example

Being a father is a scary thing. A lot of people are depending on me to be strong and to provide what they need for life. Thankfully, I’ve been able to do a good job at preparing for a time when my source of income might be cut off for a while. Like Joseph in Egypt, I used my figurative seven years of plenty to prepare for seven years of famine.

Panicking in an emergency used to be a weakness of mine. Once I realized that I had that shortcoming, I made efforts to improve it by eliminating stressors from my life. I paid off all my debts, saved money, and stockpiled food and supplies. Now that the emergency has arrived, I feel prepared for it. And I’m able to patiently walk into the furnace of affliction.

That is my advice to everyone.

Whatever trials you’re going through right now, I encourage you to be patient and be prepared. “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” I am grateful for the faith my wife has in me and the faith she has in God. Like I said earlier, it’s wonderful what happens when two people fuel each other’s positivity and goodness. We will work together to get out of our difficulties, and we’ll never cease to put our trust in God. He will see us through. May God bless you all.

This is the Deja Reviewer bidding you farewell until we meet again.

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