Not What I Ordered

Ever been to a restaurant and ordered food but got something entirely different than what you expected?  Are you disappointed or ready to try something new?  Some of my favorite foods have happened upon me this way.  I think I want one thing and then am presented another - only to find out that this new thing is soooooo much better than what I thought I wanted originally.

I think often our prayers work out that way too.  We think we know what we want and ask God accordingly. Sometimes we get exactly what we ask for and other times.....eh, not so much.  The thing I'm learning about those not so much moments is that more often than not - there is something even better around the corner - something I don't know about or understand yet.  I think sometimes He has to prepare my palate to be ready to taste this sweeter thing that's in store for me.  Perhaps I even have to swallow a few bitter morsels before I can truly appreciate the gift that's waiting.

I think that's sort of what is happening with me now. I think I put in an order for what I thought I wanted.... something that perhaps I've tasted before and thought I liked.  Or maybe I looked at that big sweet cupcake thinking I wanted it and didn't realize that prime rib was not only more delicious but also more sustaining.  Maybe my little girl side is still wishing for that fairy tale not realizing what a delight that epic novel could be.  Really now..... who wants a tootsie roll when you could have an amazing 5 course meal?  Not only would that meal provide more variety for the palate but it would also nourish the body in so many more ways.

Before I can appreciate that 5 course meal, I've got to get through a few nights of Taco Bell I guess.....  And that's quite alright.  It's those fast food nights that give me time to prepare for the big meal, time to write the entries of my epic novel, time to develop the taste buds needed to savor every morsel of love that life promises to bring.

Every life event is a gift - even those that hurt, even those that make us angry, even those that don't make sense.   It's those things that make up our story, shape our thinking, create our masterpieces!  True art does not come without difficulty and the most beautiful sites on earth were created from adverse conditions. God is just subtle like that.  He wants us to connect the dots and see His hand in things; wants us to search for Him.  It's then that we see how He really is there.

Isaiah 55:8 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are my ways your ways declares the Lord.

1 Corinthians 13:13  Trust steadily in God.  Hope unswervingly.  LOVE extravagantly!