My momma and I have the dearest relationship. I thank for the Lord daily for how she raised me to know our Lord in a personal and tangible way from such an early age. She is more than just a mother; she is my friend and godly life-partner to share the joys and cracks of life with while speaking truth into mine, sharing life experiences and imparting wisdom the Lord has given her through her years.
Just this week she light-heartedly was sharing with me the joys of her day which bring smiles to my face every time I read them. The line "Chloe is enjoying the joy of cracking nuts" resonated in my mind for quite some time following reading the email. To better understand why this was so meaningful, you must know that Chloe is just a three year old child. To her, cracking nuts is a brand new activity, never experienced before. The idea that a durable, solid structure can be crushed by her very own hands, is so empowering to her. She loves that SHE is capable of opening it all by herself. Though she can't crush it on her own, with a simple tool, she suddenly can. What tops off her joy, is that there is edible surprise and reward for her labor.
What are the current nuts of my life? What is it that I just can't crush on my own? Learning a new language. Living away from family and friends (and pup dog) that I treasure deeply. Conquering the public transportation systems. Living alone and renting an apartment. All the newness life has brought me in the last four months.
In my own strength these tasks are impossible to crack. With just a simple tool, His Word and the gift of prayer, these tasks are easy. He takes the impossibility of them away, the burdens, the challenges. There is nothing on this earth that I can't crush in His name even the enemy's attempts to tear down God's good, good work. And how can that not bring joy and empowering passion to our lives?!
The best part, once you crack into these "nuts" God has for your life, His blessings and joy in the unknowns are plentiful. With a new language, I can worship God in a new ways with new believers and with new songs. I ask Him before each lesson to give me listening ears and a retaining mind so that I can swiftly learn this language; on my own, the language is tiring and impossible. With a new language, I can read the Bible with new diction giving new convictions, hope and ways of seeing His truths. With His eyes, I get to experience the strengths of cultural norms such as hospitality here in Serbia. With Him guiding my steps, I have the joy of meeting and exploring new people and places. I get to meet people from all over the world and share Christ with them. With His plans for me to know Him more, I get to be challenged in new ways that draw me nearer to my personal Father to experience new ways He provides. All these would be lost without using a simple tool, a gift He hands to each of us.
That same joy Chloe experiences when cracking a nut, is how I feel everyday when I recognize who my Father is through the power of His Word. It is empowering and life-giving. That is a joy that never ceases! I wouldn't change a thing. Thankfully He knows the best nuts for us to crack, and He gives the best surprises and rewards inside!
I am amazed how the Lord reveals Himself in such simple, relatable ways. I am so grateful.
No comments:
Post a Comment