Blessed Disappointments

I like the road. My Grammy would put it this way in Bahamian vernacular, “Ya too like go” or “You never sit down home.” Which really translates into you’re always going out. This is only halfway true because I thoroughly enjoy spending lots of time, if not most of my time to myself in absolute peace and stillness. However, I do relish a good time, specifically with great people. I live for new experiences and enjoy the anticipation of it all. Who doesn’t like to get all dressed up, feel their best, spend time with amazing people and most importantly stuff their face? If you said, “No sweetie not me,” I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

The thing with going out is that somewhere between planning and the actual outing there is the possibility of plans falling through. Listen, I’ve had my fair share of getting stood up and being cancelled on but I’m no saint either. I’ll cancel in a heartbeat if something conflicts with another responsibility or if my spirit tells me no sis don’t go. I try my best to keep my word if I say I will do something, and I often expect others to do the same. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

It’s the worst when you planned something days or weeks in advance and the person cancels day of the event or hours before. The worst of the worst is getting the text or call that the person or people you plan to meet up with cancel when you have already arrived at the agreed upon location. Trust me I know this bad feeling all too well because again I is da conch (See previous blog post). I use the term “bad” loosely here. It’s never the best feeling to have plans cancelled on you, especially when there is little to no explanation. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate that I get to go back to bed and scroll on TikTok, but I can’t deny that unfulfilled expectations do sting.

Nonetheless, it is a blessing. Disappointments are a blessing. As oxymoronic as it may sound there is some validity to this phrase. That unfulfilled expectation was actually fulfilling a divine purpose. In other words, what ended up being a “bad” situation perhaps may have been protection. There’s beauty in unfulfillment because it is a precursor to redirection. Often when we’ve done all we can in a matter and yet circumstances beyond our control triumph, it is a sign that we need a change of plans. Disappointment directs us to something new and different, even better. When things don’t work out as we planned, it is because something far greater is on the horizon.

We see the letdown as a defeat or discouragement but really it is realignment to our purpose. I think of how many times I’ve been told no or disheartened by the way circumstances panned out only to realize that it was truly for my protection or for something way better than what I could’ve even imagined.

One thing about me, I am going to cry at any inconvenience. This summer I was navigating through a period of transition in my life and the water works of my tear ducts did not disappoint. I cried. I cried a lot. One occasion in particular, I remember feeling so frustrated and downcast after I had heard back regarding a scholarship. I was denied. No explanation provided. My academic journey was depending on this funding and not to be dramatic or anything but literally my life as I knew it was depending on this (I’m an international student so if you know, you know). Little did I know that this blow was a blessing. God had another scholarship lined up for me, which was doubled the amount of the one I was not selected for. In fact, because that door closed, aside from the major scholarship I was granted, I qualified for another tuition assistance opportunity at my university. Had I received the first scholarship I would not have been able to accept my additional funding.

I say all this to say that the letdown is for a come up. It may be a disappointment regarding an experience, a relationship, an outing, a job, an opportunity or even the taste of something you were hoping would be delicious, it is not in vain.  God doesn’t waste His time or ours. Everything that was meant for bad, He miraculously turns it around for our good. He doesn’t waste an opportunity or a disappointment. Imagine how many times we felt dejected when we received an unfavorable report or experienced an unfortunate happening, but all along God was working behind the scenes planning something way bigger for us, divinely protecting us and redirecting us to His will.

I’m reminded that He says those who put their hope and trust in Him will not be disappointed. He also promises us that the blessing of the Lord enriches and there is no sorrow added to it. Which simply means that when God blesses us, His blessings don’t come with pain, anxiety and heartache. His plan is not to harm us but prosper us and ensure that we succeed. Our seemingly disappointments are ultimately divine.