Aug
5
Blueberry Days
By Julie B Cosgrove
Things had been building up for over a week. Like microscopic cactus thorns embedded in my fingers I could not remove, the “go wrongs” were multiplying. I tried to keep a positive outlook, telling myself there were lessons in these, that God loved me and was in control, and this was another test of faith I was determined to pass. My favorite passage, Matthew 6:25-31 kept seeping into my mind – “be ye not anxious . . . seek ye first the kingdom . . .”
I went to the grocery store early in the morning to avoid the 100 plus Texas heat. I lugged in bag after bag and began to put things away, already sweltering. Heat and I do not get along. I reached for the flimsy clear plastic box of blueberries and squeezed too hard. The lid popped open and blueberries flew all over my kitchen, rolling like marbles under the cabinets, between the bins in the fridge, across the tile. That was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. I sat in the middle of my kitchen scooping up blueberries and bawling like a baby, crying out to God. Enough!
Luckily the only other heartbeat in the house was the cat, who sat crouched on the counter wondering what was going on. Until I felt the heartbeat of God. As I gathered blueberries, He gathered me – all my broken pieces scattered willy-nilly, all the little “go wrongs”. Then as I washed off the blueberries (they are too precious and pricey to throw out), He washed me of my angst and told me I am too pricey and precious, too. I put them in a sturdier container, and He placed me in His sturdy arms. My cat still sat perplexed. I had to laugh. What a scene!
Once again, I learned I need to trust Him to be in control of the good and the “go wrongs”, to come to Him in prayer not determined to past the test on my own but to humbly receive the lessons He has for me. I know there will be more blueberry days, but perhaps next time I’ll remember to laugh and find joy in the midst of it sooner.
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say- REJOICE! Philippians 4:4
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2 Responses to “Blueberry Days”
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Heat and I do not get along either, but here in the Midwest, we’ve only been in the 90s, not triple digits.
I love your story, love everything about it, especially the ending. (Have to admit I don’t love blueberries, but sometimes I buy them to make blueberry muffins for my husband, who DOES love them.) I think you’d like the book “Principled Centered Living” by the Rev. Dr. Sheldon Williams (he speaks internationally — sometimes even with Bill Clinton). It focuses on Christian living and shows what can happen when we’re pressured to make even the smallest compromises “against our better judgment.” (We have all been there, I know.) He shows us how to make choices that help us avoid living with regret or lying awake at night wondering how we could have done something differently, or why we didn’t do something differently. He applies distinctions to clarify our ethical thinking. Very worthwhile book.
Darn it — am having trouble with my links! Try this: Principled Centered Living — or http://www.principlecenteredliving.com
It’s an inspiring book.