It’s a hard time to be a high school senior. Instead of going to Prom, various award ceremonies, and the much anticipated high school graduation ceremony, due to Covid -19, seniors are stuck at home like everyone else. Since most students did not return to school after spring break, many seniors did not get to say goodbye to their friends or their teachers. Right-of-passage events have been cancelled or indefinitely postponed. It feels cruel and unfair.

My dad could relate. He was drafted into the Korean War and had to leave school unexpectedly too. Instead of staying home, he was forced to leave home. Involuntarily joining the army, he found himself with a foreign and unknown existence. It was a hard time in his life. And yet many years later, he proclaimed that being drafted into the army changed his life for the better. See, it was during his time in boot camp that he met other soldiers who introduced him to Jesus. My dad grew up going to church occasionally, but He only knew Jesus as a religious, historical figure. My dad realized that Jesus was so much more. Jesus was the living God, the Savior of the World. From that moment on, my dad’s life radically changed. He had hope and purpose. Even though the future was so uncertain, fear no longer ruled his mind and heart. Instead, he found peace. Peace that is only found in Jesus.

The cancellation of school events has devastated many. I don’t mean to down-play the disappointments that many are facing. It tastes bitter. It hurts. But, remember that God sees the big picture - we only see today and the past. God will use the disappointments and frustrations in our lives for good if we let Him. When my dad was drafted in the army, his future looked bleak. But God had a plan. God has a plan for you too. Ask Him to use the disappointments of today to provide showers of blessing on tomorrow. He will bring beauty for ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning. Ask Him. Trust Him.