Sweet Things

Hello Friend!

How are you? It was the week of birthdays in my world. I know of at least 10 and I celebrated 3 or 4.  Hurray for birthday cake!  The largest celebration was organized by a friend for our girlfriends’ 50^th.  She delegated like a professional; everyone knew what they were doing.  I was in charge of desserts.  Pleased with the assignment, I arranged my week so Thursday morning would be free from distraction.  The world would ignore me while I reciprocated, playing in my kitchen, changing simple ingredients into sugar infused tokens of affection.  It was to be a delightful time of baking and bonding with my children.

Except it wasn’t.

March weather is unpredictable in the Pacific Northwest and this year has been no exception.  Sunny and warm one minute, hailing and icy the next, we have learned to dress for a range of temperatures.  I awoke to a patch of sunshine on Thursday, which got swallowed by an ominous grey sky.   

The gathering grey ushered in a wind that gained momentum.  I peered out the window to ensure all the trees were standing.  After making my tea, I took advantage of the quiet and prepared the kitchen.  I sang to myself as I pulled ingredients from my pantry, recipes from my phone and lists from my email.   Picking up the pace, I threw together a brownie batter.  If I had looked outside again, I might have noticed the trees swing dancing and dipping low. 

My reverie was broken by a crash, as every appliance and light in the flat went out.  I waited for the power to return but it didn’t.  Fiddle. As the minutes passed I realized I needed to come up with a plan; I was deep into baking with no electricity and limited time. 

Two options presented themselves.  I could break into the house of a friend who was away and hijack her kitchen, or invade the house of the party-planner and share my mayhem.  I chose the latter.  As I packed my things into laundry baskets I felt exasperated.  I had planned my party preparation around this block of time and the unexpected was interfering with my schedule.

Has the unexpected ever disturbed you my friend?

There are so many ways the unexpected comes knocking: a pregnancy, a death, or an accident make us fearful and prone to panic.  When the unexpected happens we must remember the Lord is not caught unaware.  

We pray our troubles would be resolved quickly.  Many hide their struggles, unwilling to admit their pain and confusion. They attend church, socialize with friends and are perversely committed to keeping their suffering a secret.  By doing so, their time of trial becomes more painful.  They are cut off from the comfort community can provide.  When trouble hits, we need the faith of others to keep our spirit strong and despair at bay.  

If you are hiding your struggle from those who love you, could I ask you a question.  Why?  Why is it so important that no one knows your pain?  Do you think heaven awards extra points for those don't need the prayers of others?  Perhaps you are forsaking genuine relationship for self image.  Consider you behavior my friend, examine your heart.  

If you are in a stormy season, I want to remind you the breaking process is precious to God.  It has great value in the kingdom.  I assure you the Lord hears your petitions.  We serve a God who sees. The Lord is interested in walking us through our discomfort to teach us a deeper trust in his character and kindness.  We want immediate deliverance; God wants intimate dialogue.  Such schooling isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you are one of those with a trembling faith, might I encourage you this week to continue praying. You might be frightened and uncertain but persevere.  This season will not destroy you.  Though everything around you is groaning and straining, the Lord promises he will walk you through your troubles.  Just as the trees outside my house stopped pitching about in the wind, so too will the tempest that rages around you. 

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.  Psalm 34:17-19  

Half an hour later, I finished packing my baking supplies into boxes when the power kicked back on.  Both pleased and cross, I texted my long suffering friend and cancelled the invasion.  Turning on the music, I resumed party preparations in earnest.  I had no explanation for the morning’s events. Instead I focused on navigating the next few hours in front of me. 

Sometimes life is like that; a struggle to do the next right thing as one incomprehensible event transpires after another. If this sounds familiar, you are in good company.  But if you continue to pray it through and stay honest in the struggle, in time you will manage your way through the misfortune.  Moreover the Lord will support you with his strength and produce a sweetness in your character you could never imagine. 

Don't give up.  Keep standing.

I’m praying for you this week,

Xox Karen