The lord gives and the lord takes away

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

I was watching swamp loggers (of all shows) and there is this hardworking log cutter man named simetrio or something like that.  There was a fire near his home and he had to go evacuate his family in case it got closer.  When he got there, he wasn't like "ahhh why is this happening"  he was calm and collected and at ease.  As he drove out of his driveway with his family and some clothing and personal items, he said "hopefully the fire will not destroy our home.  Just as the Lord blessed us with the house, we pray he will keep it safe."

I forget this simple lesson.  "just as the Lord gave."  I get caught up in this life a lot.  I get caught up in the fact that I am trying to be a reasonably stable adult.  I am trying to pay my bills and school loans while keeping my job and being a decent member of society.  I pay my taxes and vote.  its all about me.  I forget that it is the LORD who gives me breath and health and intelligence to claim these things.  I forget that if the LORD willed me to lose my job, I would.  If the LORD willed me to get sick, I could.  I mean, look at Job.  The Lord allowed what happened to him to happen to him.  God blesses my life.  Even though I like to think that I have done everything to get where I am, I cannot say that with absolute certainty.

Just as the Lord has blessed me with life, and allowed my marriage to be civil, keeps my car running - he has not promised it. The Lord gives and he can take it away and because he is infinitely pure and holy [blessed BE his name].  God is not a vending machine.  I treat him like one.  I only visit when I want something from the third row.  shame on me.  I need to remember this lesson.

the lord gives and the lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the lord.

- his beloved