Disappointed by Rita's

For the first time this season, my son Jonathan and I took a ride over to Rita’s, our favorite spot (and the only place we know of nearby) for Italian water ice and custard.  For a couple of weeks, Jonathan has been suggesting that we take the ride to Rita’s which is a little bit of a drive for us over to Route 46 in Lodi, NJ.  The weather was beautiful and we happened to be home together with no real plans for the evening, so we decided to go. 

Of course once we made our decision, dreams of water ice and custard swirled together (they call it a “gelati”), were swirling through our heads.  On the way there, I could practically taste the mango water ice with vanilla custard! As we approached the store, however, we could see that there was no line.  I thought, Wow, we won’t have to wait on a long line!  But, as we drove into the parking lot the reality of the situation became visible. The windows were all closed, the blinds were down, and last year’s sign was still up, “See you next year.” Rita’s was closed, in spite of the fact that it was already “next year!”  Were we disappointed!

Unfortunately, disappointment comes in all kinds of forms and in so many different way; in ways much more significant than the closing of a water ice shop.  We have our dreams, hopes, expectations…but then, disappoint comes.  Dreams are shattered.  Hopes are dashed.  Expectations are left unfulfilled.  Life doesn’t turn out the way we thought it would.  People don’t always follow through they way we thought they would.  Disappointment seems to be just a natural part of the world in which we live. 

But the Bible tells us that those who put their trust in God will not be disappointed.  The Psalmist wrote, “They cried out to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.”  (Psalm 22:5 – NIV)   The Apostle Paul wrote, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his loved into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5 – NIV)  What an encouragement for us today.  God will never let us down! He will never fail us! All the hope he has given to us, he will fulfill!

I don’t know what disappointments you have faced in your life—or may even be facing today.  Don’t be discouraged.  Don’t let the disappointments of life overwhelm you.  Keep on trusting God. He will always be faithful. He will always be true to you.  He will not disappoint you!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris