Bad Luck Comes in Threes or So They Say

Wow, my September has had some random curve balls! Just before my last post, I was all packed, primped and ready to go loco in the ultimate CCC way at one of my best girl’s weddings. For reasons too bore snore to relay in this post, I didn’t get to go. Disappointment and shock didn’t cover it; she was one of a small circle of ride or die chums, where we had prayed through the heartbreaks and hot dates, usually with a never ending pot of tea on the go. Well, it isn’t called tea and sympathy for nothing?

Also occurring this month another gathering, which I thought by rights I would be invited to. Again, for reasons too dull to recount and not in the least bit spiritually edifying, I found my name had not made the guest list. I was dumbfounded. In a similar way as with the wedding I had missed, I felt blind-sided by what was occurring. But occurring it most definitely was. These were not things that happened to the prayerful, poso and pretty frock wearing sorts. Especially when in both instances I wanted to be there as said prayerful, poso and pretty frock wearing presence.  And finally yesterday, a day filled with the usual challenges one has to navigate living in the hustle and bustle of Lagos, I assessed the fridge only to realise that I hadn’t really paid to attention to what was in it or the larder and there were elements but not quite a coherent recipe of ingredients and leftovers to make a soothe-my-soul supper with. Whoever said bad luck comes in three’s might have been onto something I mused.

So how does one deal with disappointments, bucket of vino imbibing, shoe shopping sprees and pity party attending aside? All of which may distract but don’t diminish the pain. Well, one opens up a bible, gets reading and prays that something will resonate. As ever with the living Jesus, I was not disappointed and two verses in the Psalms jumped out and spoke to me.

“Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm30:5

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

In the instance of the wedding, I allowed myself a cry a la Psalm 30:5 the night before, knowing that tomorrow would be a better day, and then on the day itself went full throttle Psalm 118:24. God bless technology for this one, as I was treated to WhatsApp updates from friends throughout the day, and with comments, emojis and the rest I was able to participate as a virtual wedding guest. Heck, I was even throwing shapes that very evening in the sky high Miu Miu stilettos that were going to form part of my ensemble. I didn’t have to actually be there, to thank God for this most amazing and joyous occasion, and celebrate I did, right to the last snap and video footage sent.

   

I have employed the same approach with the other event too. There is nothing in the bible that says one needs to be in the same location to thank the Lord for its occurrence. Nor is it helpful to wallow in the pain of not making the invitation cut. One could still, Psalmist style, rejoice in the day that the Lord has made and all those gathered to witness it. One could also choose to focus on the joy that comes anew with each day on God’s green earth rather than any hurt that might  have preceded the day itself.

As for the grub situation, God had given me everything I needed. I love cooking and I saw the ingredients as a challenge; and furthermore, I needed to be thankful, especially living in a country where so many go to bed hungry, that I even had food to be sniffy about. The result was a beyond delicious lentils, fish and coconut soup, People are loving it on Instagram too, so it can’t be that bad at all!

So does bad luck come in threes? I say a resounding no. Because every disappointment is one where God’s grace can come rushing in, not just making you stronger but also closer to him. Not only that, there is something far more powerful that comes in three, and that’s the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are truly all one needs when life gives you an almighty punch in the stomach. And if the disappointment still has you on the ropes, remember the other event with ‘three’ front and centre, Jesus’ resurrection. On the third day he rose again! One can stand in that most certain victory every time and know that it is ours too.