The Best for Last

I've always been a big believer in finishing strong.  I often have a little difficulty getting started or even staying engaged in a project or goal but when I become committed to something and see it through to the end, the result is a quality completion.  Somewhere in the midst of a project, I become more and more enamored with the goal and begin to put more of myself into it.  It requires great focus and drive to get me to this point otherwise distraction and discouragement get the best of me and I lose sight of the commitment.

Another blog I read this morning turned me on to the story of Jesus turning water into wine.  I had to read this a couple of times......  God was telling me something but it was a little different spin on the main point of the blog.  I had to go straight to the scripture and focus so that I could interpret just what He wanted me to take to heart.  How many times have I read this very story and not thought a thing about it?  But today was time!  Today the message was for me.  I marvel at how scripture works this way!

I am 40.  I love being 40.  Why?  It seems like a new beginning in a way.  I have lived about half my life already.  The first 20 years turning into an adult.  The last 20 years learning how to be an adult. There have been many bumps and bruises along the way and I've had great difficulty getting started and staying engaged.  Honestly, I've had trouble even establishing a goal.  But something about turning 40 has inspired me.  I feel that I'm just getting turned on to what life is really about and I feel like I'm on to something.  I'm excited about it!  For the first time ever, I feel like I have a clean slate and I can start over - this time with focus and purpose.

Just like in the story (John 2) I was running out of wine.  I was too busy enjoying the party to really even notice.  But someone was Mary for me - I have no idea whom (and this may have been several people).  This "Mary" went to Jesus for me and let him know......  that girl over there is so busy with the party she doesn't even know she is running out of wine.  Jesus told her it wasn't time.  But Mary knew that Jesus would not ignore her plea.  When He was ready, He told His servants what to do.  These servants who care so deeply about me and about this party of life - went and filled the jars with water - plain old water.   I'm sure they had no idea why - why would he want to fill with water?  And even when He told them to take the pitcher to the host they may have thought Him crazy.  What good will that do to give the host water?  But our Lord works in mysterious ways - sometimes with plain old water.  When the host tasted the water he replied as below:

 ^9-10When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!" 

I am beginning to taste the wine in my life.  And it is so much sweeter now!  I have spent my earlier years being wrapped up in the party and then questioning the water I've been provided - never realizing that my Lord knew what He was doing all along.  I didn't even have faith enough to see it.  This came from the Mary in my life and the servants who obeyed!   Now I see!  He has saved the best for last and this is all I needed to keep on working for the prize and finish strong.  This is just one more way He loves us and with just enough mystery to keep us intrigued.