Disappointment is sometimes a great gift.
Great reflection happens in the shadow of disappointment.
The purest form of opportunity beckons in the shadow of disappointment.
And a great choice dances in and out of the shadows of disappointment.
The Christian Book Expo of 2009 was not at all what I hoped it would be. Or was it? My prayer is always that I will remember to look on the fringe of my carefully planned days to recognize God's unexpected appointments.
And boy were they abundant this weekend.
Our waitress named Petra who hugged me and thanked me for calling her by name. Her arms were frail, her face drawn, and her heart in need of being noticed.
Tom, the doorman, who couldn't wait to show me the Bible he carries in his back pocket. The back cover was chewed apart by his beloved dog. He likes the book of John.
The lady named Jenna whose car was damaged in a recent hit and run. She'd prayed about getting extra hours at work this week and got more hours than she's ever gotten. She couldn't wait to share this news with someone, anyone.
And Jason, the barista, who'd just been laid off from his career as a buyer for a high end department store. I dont' know what he thought of me telling him I'd be praying for him, but I do know he seemed eager to talk about something other than a coffee order.
Had there been the expected crowds of people at CBE '09, I probably would have missed out on some or all of these conversations. And that would have been the more tragic of endings.
If disappointment, makes me think less of myself and more of God- more of others, than I choose to see it as a fine gift. A gift worthy to be enjoyed, celebrated, and embraced.
So, when I walked on stage on Friday night and saw 300 people sitting in a sea of 5,000 chairs, I didn't feel the emptiness. I didn't hear the echo. I wasn't distracted by the disappointment. For I knew in my heart that this was such a small part of a day already filled to the brim with assignments from God.
And that made me smile.
Oh yes, and for those of you who read here regularly you'll be happy to know I didn't tee tee when I met Henry.
I hugged him and thanked him for teaching me how to experience God.
Great reflection happens in the shadow of disappointment.
The purest form of opportunity beckons in the shadow of disappointment.
And a great choice dances in and out of the shadows of disappointment.
The Christian Book Expo of 2009 was not at all what I hoped it would be. Or was it? My prayer is always that I will remember to look on the fringe of my carefully planned days to recognize God's unexpected appointments.
And boy were they abundant this weekend.
Our waitress named Petra who hugged me and thanked me for calling her by name. Her arms were frail, her face drawn, and her heart in need of being noticed.
Tom, the doorman, who couldn't wait to show me the Bible he carries in his back pocket. The back cover was chewed apart by his beloved dog. He likes the book of John.
The lady named Jenna whose car was damaged in a recent hit and run. She'd prayed about getting extra hours at work this week and got more hours than she's ever gotten. She couldn't wait to share this news with someone, anyone.
And Jason, the barista, who'd just been laid off from his career as a buyer for a high end department store. I dont' know what he thought of me telling him I'd be praying for him, but I do know he seemed eager to talk about something other than a coffee order.
Had there been the expected crowds of people at CBE '09, I probably would have missed out on some or all of these conversations. And that would have been the more tragic of endings.
If disappointment, makes me think less of myself and more of God- more of others, than I choose to see it as a fine gift. A gift worthy to be enjoyed, celebrated, and embraced.
So, when I walked on stage on Friday night and saw 300 people sitting in a sea of 5,000 chairs, I didn't feel the emptiness. I didn't hear the echo. I wasn't distracted by the disappointment. For I knew in my heart that this was such a small part of a day already filled to the brim with assignments from God.
And that made me smile.
Oh yes, and for those of you who read here regularly you'll be happy to know I didn't tee tee when I met Henry.
I hugged him and thanked him for teaching me how to experience God.
42 Comments:
I am excited for those 300 who got to hear you. I love that God would send you even if it had only been 100 in a sea of 5000 chairs or even 10. I love that He can take what those 300 heard and received and multiply it like we just cannot even begin to imagine.
And I love even more that He sent you to Petra, Tom, Jenna, and Jason. I love how personal He is. And I love how usable you are.
I have to say, I was so blessed to read about how you prayed for Pamela when you ran into her at the airport. You could have just given her a hug and a "have a nice trip." But you stopped and prayed for her. Nobody would know if you did or didn't. You weren't trying to impress anyone. You were just being you....wonderful, loving, "Yes, God" you! You are the real deal, Lysa TerKeurst. And that is a blessing.
Love to you!
(oh, and I am sooooo glad you didn't have any "accidents". hee hee)
Loved meeting you, Lysa. If only we could have hung out together. :)
Hugs.
Elaine
Oh and thanks for being so sweet!
So glad you didn't tee tee. And thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective that seems upside down at first glance. Wish I could have been the 301th person in that sea of seats.
You rock, sister. I just wrote a post today, too, about going through some disappointment with my little boy. I couldn't wait to read what you had written.
Thanks for the perspective. =]
Hi Lysa! I don't have any great words of inspiration or comfort, just wanted to give you a
~*~*~*HUG*~*~*~
And I just wanted to have you do a little imagining.
If each one of those people you spoke to each took just a little piece of what you said, and shared it with 5 people, who then shared it with 5 people, who then shared it with 5 people...well you see where I am going.
And praise God for those little intimate moments he blessed you with before-hand.
I see a lot to thank God for in today's post. Thank God for eyes wide open. Thank God for the least of these. Thank God for coffee. And thank God for bladder control.
I just recently found your blog and have truly enjoyed reading through some of your previous posts. I have heard you on our local Christian radio station talking about Proverbs 31 ministries and was so glad to find your blog. While technology can be frustrating and a little scary at times, I have felt so blessed lately for the other believers I have connected with through blogs, e-mails, etc. Exciting stuff. It's amazing how God is bringing people together and to him. Thanks for sharing part of yourself with all of us. You truly have a gift and I'm glad you have answered God's call to minister to the rest of us. God bless!
I think God is awesome when he opens our eyes to His world! Thank you for sharing how you slowed down to see the people around you. As a wife of an outreach minister I love hearing examples of real life touching of those around.
May God bless you richly.
Awesome perspective! Blessed my heart! God Bless!
Truly sounds like a SUCCESS to me. Don't you love how different God's economy is from the world's?
Love you blog and am always blessed. I am new to blogging but loving all my new friends.
Drop by my blog. I am giving away my FIRST PRIZE and its a great one.
It is the most requested gift in my gift basket business in the past 15 years.
Teresa
Oh, thank you. I love down-to-earth honesty and truth because it points us to Heaven. And when you get There, I pray you see the fruit of your encounters with these precious people.
Your "Audience of One" was pleased, I am sure. He loves you.
Enjoy being at your favorite intimate arena...home with your family.
They say that it's the little things in life that count. I've learned that our little experiences and what we construe as disappointments sometimes have the greatest impact on other people. I believe God will do some amazing things in the lives of those 4 people (along with the 300 from CBE) whose lives you touched this weekend. Oh, and I'm glad you didn't tee tee in your pants! I'm sure Henry's pretty glad too LOL
Lysa, you make every day and every situation extraordinary by finding God. You intentionally look for, follow and obey your Lord and Savior.
Petra, Tom, Jenna and Jason all encountered God this weekend. Even more than the 300, I believe He touched the lives of 4. Three hundred no doubt saw God, but four were touched by Him. Thanks again for being His hands, His voice, His eyes, His heart.
Moved to tears reading this. In my great disappointment right now, I've been so focused on my loss...my pain.
"The purest form of opportunity beckons in the shadow of disappointment. And a great choice dances in and out of the shadows of disappointment."
Lord, help me unwrap and find the gift in disappointment,
Joy
Oh Lysa, you are so right. God gives us situations that require a little more digging to find the blessing. But, boy oh boy, is it worth it.
Beautifully spoken. And I'm glad you didn't tee-tee. :)
Thanks for this post, Lysa.
Back in Jan. I spent a lot of money for a show that I split with two other sweet ladies. I have been doing this little side biz with candles for 3 yrs in the hopes that my husband can one day leave his j o b to join his mom and dad with their biz. Let's just say I was highly disappointed in the turn out for this event in Concord. Not many people came and most were lookers. After the sales of that weekend we each went home with earnings that did not even pay for out portion of the booth, but we were not the only ones.
Your perspetive on this past weekend got me to thinking. That show wasn't a disappointment just my prespective. God gently reminded me that I got to know 2 amazing ladies that do what I do. I got to witness to an older agnostic artist of jewish descent. I met great people at the booths next to us, and I know I have one great new customer from the whole experience. All those things I would not have noticed now if we had a busy selling show. Thanks for getting me to realize that we all have an impact on others lives even in what at the time seems to be a disappointment. Thanks for sharing your story.
Glad you didn't tee tee with Henry Blackaby! Hee Hee!
Latanya
Lysa,
It sounds like you did what God sent you to do. What a blessing you were to those he put in your path! So you kept it together when you met Henry, good for you. tee hee.
Glad you got back safe.
Hugs,
Diane
Sounds like you indeed had a FINE weekend! I'm reminded of the song "Little is Much When God is In It!" I'm sure that those people God chose to put in your path this weekend needed what you had to say! Perhaps more than the people who bought tickets to hear you and Henry speak! I think you brought a smile to the Lord.
God bless you,
Marilyn
I've heard this definition many times: Disappointment is His appoinment.
You blessed Petra, Tom, Jenna, & Jason. And you blessed the 300 of us who were there. More than you can imagine.
And while I know that there are kinks to work out and things to change for subsequent years - and I soooo hope they'll stick with it and not give up! - the small turnout was such a blessing to those of us who did attend. The opportunity to have more than just a nanosecond to greet the authors and not be rushed through the line was such a blessing.
God absolutely shines through you. On stage or one-on-one.
Hugs to you, my sweet friend!
Isn't it amazing the people and stories we can discover when God derails our plans? And, Lysa, if there had been only 1 person in the 5000 seats you can be sure of two things -- God was there in the other 4,999 and He placed the 1 person who really needed to hear you right where they should be. 1, 300 or 5000 -- you still had the biggest audience in the universe listening...you always do.
I find it amazing how God can work in oddest situattions. They are perfectly designed by him. He puts us where we need to be, when we need to be there.
Wendy
ps Soooo glad you kept it together as it were!!
This morning the Holy Spirit brought the "do not despise the day of small things" passage to my heart. It's an amazing encouragement to me to see someone who is used to speaking to crowds of thousands continuing to offer themselves for the beginnings of new things. CBE is a great concept and one I pray they will continue to build upon.
Much love to you my friend!
Lysa,
I was one of the remnant that was blessed by your talk and impressed with your book signing skills :) . I am fairly sure that I wasn't the only one spurred on by your talk to step out in faith in my own life. I was helping a friend in her booth this weekend and was so thrilled to connect with(even if briefly) awesome people and hear their God stories. I met one very special family whose mom was the author and daughter was the illustrator. After her book signing with only 2 people, she told me how that morning they had prayed about not selling books, but having divine appointments. So I'll bet your weekend was even more successful than you realize. Thank you so much for what you do and may God continue to bless your ministry.
Lysa -- what an uplifting message. Sometimes we miss the person we are to minister to because of the people we are trying to connect with.
My prayer is to just see the person in front of me.
Thanks for sharing your heart.
What a blessing! Lysa, you have no idea how many hearts God touched through you this weekend! Bless you, sweet thang!
Hugs!
susan
glad that you handled everything when you met Henry B.!!! :)
I have a friend named Petra and the woman you described sounded as if it were her. I'm sure it wasn't, but it brought her to mind this morning and am sending out a special prayer for her today. Thank you.
Lysa...this post brought me to tears.
My husband and I have experienced some profound disappointment this past week.
After doing what we were sure was the Lord's will and moving to Virginia from Texas back in September, we moved in with my parents, "just for a couple of months."
It's now been about 6 months.
This past week, my husband was up for 2 promotions. He was seemingly a shoo-in for both, so we were certain he would at least get one or the other!
We were thrilled; the extra money would finally enable us to get our own place. Finally we would sleep in our own bed again. Finally our 2-year-old could stop sleeping in a Pack-N-Play.
He got neither. We were devastated.
I know the Lord has something bigger planned for us; I completely trust in Him. I have been clinging to Jeremiah 29:11 with all my heart. I know it's true, but it's so hard not to feel forgotten.
In church on Saturday night, we sang a familiar song. Some of the lyrics are:
"I'm reaching my hand to Yours,
Believing there's so much more,
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good.
This is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it."
After the song our pastor got up and said "I know some people in this room are making that statement completely by faith--this day very well may not feel like the day the Lord has made."
I knew those words were for me, and I wept openly for pretty much the whole service.
In our most vulnerable moments, God makes His presence known to us. I am so thankful for the hard times because they force me to lean on Him.
Of course it's hard, though. That's the catch. But thank you for your post, it was very reassuring and encouraging.
Eryn
Thanks, Lysa! This was a great reminder.
Lysa:
Oh, honey...I wish I had an hour to sit and talk with you. I'd share with you how God has me in this exact same place. And how the blessing of only having 30 people (one week only 4!) show up for my class, opened up doors to minister individually that I wouldn't have had otherwise.
I would share with you how only getting 54 hits a day on my blog instead of 540 allows me time to respond to and correspond with each and every commenter. And through that I'm building the most beautiful friendships and leading women to the heart of Jesus.
I would share with you how God just yesterday whispered in my ear that He just wants me to do exactly what He says, no more no less. Even when I don't understand the outcome.
And I would share how He then embraced me and said, "I have so many wonderful things for you, child." And how even as I write that, it gives me chills because it was so unmistakeably God.
Lysa, your impact and influence on women all over the world reaches farther and deeper than you will ever realize...I type with tears in my eyes...
I, for one, am so thankful that you are still "touchable". I know some day your ministry will be so huge, you won't know what to do with all the inquiries. But for now, I love that you take the time for the waitresses and the baristas and for the sisters across the country who love what you do.
I just love you to pieces, Lysa. I really do.
And I know God is so pleased that you walked on that stage with peace in you heart, knowing you were in the very center of His will. You are extraordinary.
Still tears in my eyes...
Love,
Sandy
such a testimony that you took the time to get to know those people!!
I was quite disturbed the other day when a person at my church got upset over somethign not being unlocked and she said oh just get that janitor guy, whatever his name is.!!! I know his name nad my children know his name. They great him every time they see him. So many people out there who just need to know that someone knows their name!! Reminds me of a Israel Houghton song. " I am Not Forgotten"
Sorry to hear CBE wasn't very well attended. If it was closer to home I would have loved to have been there. Especially if it was anything like ICRS (free books!!!). So glad to hear you made your God appointments while you were there. Hearing those stories always makes me want to make sure I am listening so I don't miss the God appointments of my own. :)
It was wonderful to meet you this weekend, Lysa! I, too, felt like God had other plans in mind for CBE. It was a good reminder that it's not about me--it' all about Him and those we're called to serve. Reading what you wrote further confirmed that in my heart. Thanks for sharing!
What a blessing you are to these people you mentioned, Lysa, and to us for relating this story. It really helps us to deal in every day life! Thank you.
Do you think the low attendance was a sign of the economy affecting booksellers or the rise of ebooks, kindle, and other digital and virtual reading replacing in-your-hands books?
I was a Christian Bookseller for years and attended my fair share of conventions. I loved getting to meet the authors.
Well, it looks like you spoke to lots of people "here" at the blog today too. We've all suffered disappointments, and sometimes they feel just alittle less disappointing knowing we all have them. So thanks for sharing yours.
It is so difficult for us to get rid of our expectations and just to be open to what God wants to do. It rarely looks like we imagined but He is always working. You touched people who needed His touch. You experienced God at this event. And you met Henry. That is a good day. B
As a Dallas-ite, I was very embarrassed for the poor showing, but lemme just tell you, the whole thing was life-changing for me.
I bought a TON of books...if all those people had bought as many as I had, the low numbers wouldn't have even been felt, lemme tell ya. The conference was professional, yet inviting, and I'm sure the low numbers helped the inviting part.
As a newer author, I learned volumes from the face-to-face conversations I had with the speakers and many others in my profession. I was sad I didn't get to meet you, but your speaking on Friday night was inspiring and passionate.
Above all these technicalities, I mentioned on a few other blogs that what struck me is this:
God put it in the hearts of whoever planned the worship services to talk about the Word of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Many of the speakers took it further to talk about His Word not returning empty or void. (Isaiah 55:11) God, in HIs foreknowledge, took a huge, great-big powerful message like that to speak to just a few...and I guarantee, hardly anyone left unchanged from that. His Word was in the music, in the speakers, in the debates and especially in thousands of books all around us.
I've prayed that the Lord would use His Word, abundantly and powerfully presented to return to each of you abundantly. Whether it be a physical blessing with a new contact, or an eternal one with a soul touched, or just a peace that passes all understanding, may the Word refresh each of you in a way that only He can...
Thanks for lovin on us this weekend!
I was sorry about the turnout, too. As one of the 300 Friday night, I have to tell you that your message & those of the other speakers & worship leaders was so encouraging for my my marriage, motherhood & especially ministry.
Wow, Lisa. That was beautiful. I'm encouraged and convicted at the same time. How often we let disappointments overshadow the wonderful little things God is doing in the background. I'm so thrilled that you didn't fall into that trap, but noticed the hand of God on people's faces, in their words, and in the little encounters that make up an ordinary, or not so ordinary, day. Bless your sweet heart!
Kay
Hi Lysa,
I was at the expo, and I was delighted to hear you speak and meet you in person.
I wrote about the expo on my blog, from the perspective of someone on the "other side", and I invite you to come and read.
I was blessed beyond measure to be one of the few in attendance. My great fear is that the poor turnout will discourage publishers from bringing in "the big dogs" at future events...or worse, will prevent them from attending altogether.
Having the opportunity to actually MEET the people who have had a profound impact on my life was a completely different experience than forking over $10 for a book and being shuffled through a crowded line for an obligatory signature and handshake. Instead, I had the opportunity to ask questions and share my heartfelt admiration for you and for others.
Lysa, the words you write matter, and the voice you use inspires greatly. Coming face to face with that, if even for a few minutes, in a more intimate setting, made a difference to me. More so than sitting in an auditorium of 5,000 could have.
Thanks for being at the expo, and for giving of yourself. It wasn't how many you reached, but how greatly you impacted those who were there that matters most.
You're a blessing. :)
Hey!
Just wanting to say thank you for this post. I know it's an older one, but it is one that has stuck with me.
I know you had such a hard time selecting the winners for the scholarship for She Speaks, but I wanted to encourage you in that God has been showing me over the past week that my disappointment is indeed a gift. And I know I am not the only one He is using the whole process to bless.
So thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to even try. Thank you for this post on disappointment. My heart has been getting some much needed refinement from it all.
Love to you,
K
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