“Get that squirrel!”

The usually quiet and composed bank tellers squealed and laughed nervously as ‘Hurry,’ my childhood pet squirrel, raced across the plush carpet and scurried up the fancy curtains. Behind her, I ran as fast as I could, trying to catch the mischievous critter.

It all started when the bank tellers heard the story of my squirrel, rescued during my family’s participation in a hurricane relief effort. (Hence the name ‘Hurry,’ short for Hurricane). They enjoyed hearing about Hurry’s escapades throughout my house and yard. Week by week, they would ask about Hurry. When they learned that I had taken her to church for a children’s story, they begged me to bring her to the bank so they could finally meet her for themselves.

At first, Hurry was calm as the employees petted her from their side of the teller windows. I carefully held onto the leash attached to her tiny halter. Everything went fine until I unwisely detached the leash so the eager tellers could hold her. Hurry immediately grabbed the opportunity to wriggle out of their hands and go exploring.

She nimbly climbed up the curtains and sprinted across the rod, then down the other side as I did my best to keep up. Back on the floor, she raced across the carpet, through some desks, across more carpet, and straight through an open office door.

There were whispered gasps from the suddenly silent tellers. It was such a change that it caught my attention, and I asked, “Who’s office is that?”
“The bank president,” they responded nervously.

I cringed but didn’t have time for deeper thoughts. As confidently as I could, I walked through the open door, determined to reclaim my naughty pet. The richly decorated room was still and oddly quiet. Sitting in a large, over-stuffed executive chair, wearing a fancy suit, was the bank president. A typically composed and professional individual, he had pressed himself back in his chair, his hands gripping the armrests. A look of shock and dismay showed on his face as he stared intently down at Hurry, who had climbed up his pant leg and was perched on his knee.

I quietly but quickly walked across the office, grabbed Hurry, said a quick “Excuse me,” and walked out of the office without explanation, hooking the leash back onto Hurry as I left.

I do not recall what follow-up conversations occurred between my mom and the bank staff, though I’m sure there were apologies, explanations, a few laughs, and perhaps a promise not to bring furry critters on our next bank visit.

The “Hurry Escapade” recently came back to my mind during a time of difficulty and unknowns. The situation was completely out of my control, and it was tempting to become overwhelmed and discouraged.

There are a handful of things I’ve noticed about trials. They can bring up old fears, trigger hidden emotions, wake up old unhealthy reactions that I thought were resolved, tempt me to become self-protective, and tempt me to run away, at least emotionally.

Yet, time and again, my experience with God has taught me that He is able to take the most impossible situations and turn them into the most amazing blessings. Take my escapade with Hurry, for example. What started as an innocent desire to share my furry blessing with others turned into an uncomfortable situation for everyone in the bank. Yet, the result was that my family and those bank staff bonded in a unique way that no other bank customer had. As we processed the situation together, a trusting friendship solidified and strengthened and lasted for years. 

Difficulties are sure to come and will tempt us to become discouraged and, perhaps, even to despair. But God has gifted us the privilege to choose to walk with courage, trusting that He is able to turn the most difficult trials into our greatest blessings (Romans 8:28).

In the United States, the holiday season is beginning. Many are reflecting on this last year and expressing gratitude for the blessings received throughout. While I am grateful for so many things, I am purposefully thanking God for the trials, knowing that they, too, are blessings — perhaps disguised — but blessings indeed.
My friends, thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Thank you for reminding us time and again that AFM has been blessed with an amazing group of dedicated, mission-minded partners who not only support missions financially but are invested emotionally, even through trials. God bless each one of you!

Would you like to express your gratitude in a tangible way? Give a year-end contribution to AFM. We will use your gift to share Jesus’ love with unreached people so they, too, can know the joy of hope and peace, even during difficult times.

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