We built our home almost twenty years ago. People say you should build your first house to practice on, and then build your second one where you want to live forever. No matter how much thought and research you put into the design of your first home, there are always things you wish you had done differently. The main reason is that you don’t know what you don’t know.

One thing I have consistently regretted about the design of our home is the kitchen walking space. There is an island in the middle of the kitchen. I have tons of cabinets, drawers and countertops. The space on either side of the island, however, is more narrow than I would like. I have frequently complained that we didn’t make these spaces wider. My comment at every family gathering has been, “Two ladies can work together in here if they like each other. Three ladies had better really like each other because they will be bumping into one another coming and going.”

Fast forward almost twenty years to November 2024 when I fell and broke my leg. Overnight, I found myself in a walking boot and crutches. I could carry nothing. I learned a system to work in my kitchen by picking up an item, pivoting while not actually taking a step, to place the item on the island. I then hobbled on my crutches to the other side of the island, picking up the item and pivoting while not taking a step, to place the item on the opposite counter space. This is how I worked without assistance to move pots, pans and food around the kitchen.

One day in the middle of moving a heavy pitcher of tea from the refrigerator to the opposite countertop and back, I realized the goodness and forethought of God. If the walking space had been any wider, I wouldn’t be able to do anything in my kitchen by myself during this time of healing. Immediately, I was ashamed for all those years of complaining. God had been working for my good all along.

What do you consistently wrestle with that keeps you filled with regret, frustration and complaint? I encourage you to give it to God in prayer, and be at peace. He knows the end from the beginning. At some point in the future, you will be surprised at how He has been working it for your good all along.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

MY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

There are many things I can do nothing about at this point. Things that consistently cause me regret and frustration. Instead of complaining, help me to lay them at your feet, knowing you are working all things for my good.