It’s all how you frame it

This morning I’m thankful for delayed luggage, Virgin Airlines, our son, Nabil, and Southeastern University . Almost three years ago, we flew into NYC for meetings over the New Years holiday. It was warm at home (Amman, Jordan, at that time) but cold in the city, so we packed our warm coats in our luggage. Unfortunately, our bags were delayed in London. We were looking forward to our time in NY, but a couple days of walking the streets of our favorite city in sub-freezing temperatures wasn’t appealing. Virgin Airlines to the rescue (It might have helped that I had a high status as the time due to all of the ministry miles flown each year.). We called them to explain our situation, and without hesitation, they told us to go to a store and buy whatever we needed. So, Amy, Nabil, and Emad wound up with new coats, gloves, and some additional clothing (the one time I was sad my bag arrived!). So, delayed luggage turned into a blessing, and Virgin’s outstanding customer service prevented the stress one expects in situations like this. Nabil is now studying at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL, so he left his coat at our house. This morning when I took the dog out for an early morning walk in the 17 degree temperatures of Springfield, I gave thanks for all of the above.

Why isn’t it this easy?

Did you ever wish discerning God’s will was this easy? Well, most of us will acknowledge that it’s not always easy, because relationships aren’t always easy. They take time. Time spent with a friend helps you recognize their voice and understand their heart. Time spent with our Father does the same for us.

What is Trust?

What does it mean to be trustworthy? Here’s the best empirically tested definition of trust: “Trust is one party’s willingness to be vulnerable to another party based on the confidence that the latter party is (a) benevolent, (b) reliable, (c) competent, (d) honest, and (e) open.”

My guess is that as you read that your mind went to people or situations in which you felt your trust was violated. The truth is that this has happened to each of us, and it hurts. Of course, there isn’t much we can do with this occurs other than forgive and learn. So, I have broken down the adjectives above as a way for me to assess my “trustworthiness index.” I do better on some than others.

Benevolence is the belief that you have my best interest at heart. Reliability is the belief that you will come through as a promised. Competence is the belief that you have the ability and willingness to complete the task you were assigned. Honesty is the belief that you will use the information to which you are privy in an appropriate manner and do what is ethically right (even if it costs you something). Finally, openness is the belief that you will share accurate information as needed and for my good.

How did you do? “(Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash