I say it often after surviving some unpleasantness.
It can be anything from a bad sermon to a head on collision, both true examples in my past, because in both instances, as soon as coming to, I say, "Well, thank God that's over."
The saying's rooted in Calvinism, a brand of Christianity, that believes everything that ever happens is the will of God.
It goes like this.
A man carries the laundry downstairs for his wife when he trips on the top step and falls crashing onto the concrete floor, busting his head open and breaking an arm.
"Thank God that's over," he says, knowing it was God's will and in all likelihood that'll be the last time it happens.
I do wonder though why in the world John Calvin or anybody else prefers believing falling down the stairs is part of any Divine plan.
How in God's name does a bleeding head, broken bone and floor full of dirty laundry help inch us towards Heaven?
Obviously I'm not a proponent of Calvinist theology.
When I say "Thank God that's over" I'm really appreciative I don't have to endure that unpleasantness any more.
There's far too much unpleasantness in life already.
I don't believe God's making more.
We seem to do a find job all by ourselves.
What it comes down to is expressing thankfulness a bad time's done and I mean it when I say, "Thank God!" even though the good Lord didn't have anything to do with it.
With whatever unpleasantness now behind me, I have the real possibility of ENJOYING whatever comes next.
I believe life's to be enjoyed and not merely endured.
"Thank God that's over!" simply sets the stage for "Good God! Can you believe this?"
