Slippery Hurtful Ice

As a Washington Capitals fan (National Hockey League), I'm hurting. This past season the Capitals finished as the highest scoring team an number 1 going into the playoffs. In fact the first round of the playoffs they would play the Montreal Canadians, the number 8 team.

But the ice was slippery and the fall was hard. The Cap's would be up 3 games to 1, only needing to win one more game. Unfortunately, the Canadians came back as a number 8 team and defeated the number 1 team 4 games to 3. Oh the hurt and shock that was on all Capitals fans last night, as well as the coaches and players. It may go down as the worst upset in the teams history. For at the beginning of the season and through the midpoint of the season the Capitals were poised and ready to win the coveted Stanley Cup. And it didn't happen. Why? I'm still so stunned that I really don't know (not enough goals scored when it counted).

However, I have learned that in life the expected doesn't always go our way. The hopes and dreams we have set out for us sometimes are altered by circumstances, actions, illnesses, and life issues. And in those times we can become stunned or shocked to the point of being paralyzed. I can remember in my own life when the unexpected hit our family and we had to make a career move as a result of health issues and God's new direction for our lives. And in that shock, Romans 8:28 became real for me, " For we know that those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to the will of God." It was this verse that released me from my shock of change. For this verse reassured me that even change may be inevitable and circumstances happen, but God is still in control. You see God is never surprised or shocked as we are. In his love and insight before us, He has a plan and purpose for each of us.

So, in your defeats, surprises, and shocking experiences, look to God for direction and guidance as he equips you and prepares you for what is ahead.

As far as the Capitals go, it was a great season with a different ending. And for now my jersey will hang back in the closet waiting for next year.