In Our Darkest Hour...

Who knew I'd love reading Robinson Crusoe so much!?! Kade and I have been reading this fabulous classic by Daniel Defoe. Most of you probably read it in high school or college, but I didn't. I had a one track mind back then and it wasn't studying. I'm so grateful as an adult I learned the joy and satisfaction that comes by reading good books.

Robinson Crusoe has such rich language and  invaluable lessons on faith, our relationship with God, our desperate need for Him, gratitude, and making the best of whatever our circumstance. Its caused me to reflect back on the trials I've had in my life, and how I reacted to them; what struggles may lie ahead; and do I have the faith to endure all things in my darkest hour? 

As humans we become so busy and independent, wrapped up in our lives that we become slow to ask for God's help, waiting until our situation is dire, only to then plead and bargain if only He will deliver us from this trial. The storm clears, our 'resolutions' slowly fade away...a distant memory; we return to our old ways. 

Hopefully it doesn't take being stranded on an island all alone before we find ourselves on our knees, however for Robinson Crusoe, it did but once he let God in, great things happened and he was transformed.
I loved that the more he read his Bible and prayed, the more he realized the need for gratitude in all things, including the very lonely place that became his home for twenty-four years.

We so often think of the things we don't have, rather than basking in the blessings that surround us. Here is a passage that struck me:

      "I learned to look more upon the bright side of my condition and less upon the dark side; and to

       consider what I enjoyed rather than what I wanted; and this gave me sometimes such secret

       comforts that I cannot express them; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented

       people in my mind of it who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them because they

       see and covet something that He has not given them. All our discontents about what we want

       appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have."

We're not finished with the book yet, but obviously I'm a big fan.

Through our history studies the past three years, I'm so fascinated and humbled as I learn about the struggles of those who have come before us and I'm grateful for the many blessings, luxuries and conveniences we have in this modern day beause of them. The courageous people who lost their lives exploring, fighting, inventing and risking all they had to make this land what it is today. One can't help but see God's hand in all things.


Visit Tuesday's Unwrapped for more posts on gratitude.