Been Pelted With Rocks Lately?

2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13

An informant came to David with the report,
"The children of Israel have transferred their loyalty to Absalom."
At this, David said to all his servants
who were with him in Jerusalem:
"Up! Let us take flight, or none of us will escape from Absalom.
Leave quickly, lest he hurry and overtake us,
then visit disaster upon us and put the city to the sword."

As David went up the Mount of Olives, he wept without ceasing.
His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.
All those who were with him also had their heads covered
and were weeping as they went.

As David was approaching Bahurim,
a man named Shimei, the son of Gera
of the same clan as Saul's family,
was coming out of the place, cursing as he came.
He threw stones at David and at all the king's officers,
even though all the soldiers, including the royal guard,
were on David's right and on his left.
Shimei was saying as he cursed:
"Away, away, you murderous and wicked man!
The LORD has requited you for all the bloodshed in the family of Saul,
in whose stead you became king,
and the LORD has given over the kingdom to your son Absalom.
And now you suffer ruin because you are a murderer."
Abishai, son of Zeruiah, said to the king:
"Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?
Let me go over, please, and lop off his head."
But the king replied: "What business is it of mine or of yours,
sons of Zeruiah, that he curses?
Suppose the LORD has told him to curse David;
who then will dare to say, 'Why are you doing this?'"
Then the king said to Abishai and to all his servants:
"If my own son, who came forth from my loins, is seeking my life,
how much more might this Benjaminite do so?
Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction
and make it up to me with benefits
for the curses he is uttering this day."
David and his men continued on the road,
while Shimei kept abreast of them on the hillside,
all the while cursing and throwing stones and dirt as he went.

As I read these lines a thought comes to mind. Recently in my study I came across the idea that everything that happens to you in life is a gift from God. God either purposely puts things in your path or allows things to happen to you for a greater good. I will admit that these are words that I could have used much earlier in my life. Many times on my journey I have had bad things happen. Many times I have chucked it up to bad luck, but I know now there is no such thing. I move forward in my days now trying to see "gifts" for what they are. 

Getting stuck behind that slow car in traffic, that's a gift?

Getting conked on the head at work, that's a gift?

My 2 year old ruining something I was working on, that's a gift?

God works in mysterious ways and he does all out of love. Often when I ponder events I see the wisdom. Other times I have to just keep praying, but when I take the time to try and find the love in what God has blessed me with I become a wiser, stronger and a more patient person.

Jesus,

I don't always understand your ways. I am a very opinionated man. Please forgive me and help me to love today. I am sure that you are going to throw things at me and I will have no clue why. Help me to see your genius in them. Help me to share that blessing with others. Help me to love. This world is in such dire need of love right now. I love you Jesus, thank you for another day.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen