Step By Step

Recently, the idea of taking a "step by step" approach to life's challenges took on a new, much deeper meaning for me.  I'm beginning to realize that I've taken my ability to move forward for granted and that I may not have devoted nearly enough time, consideration and prayer to many of the decisions I've made in my life.

The catalyst for this epiphany was an unfortunate ankle injury that my husband suffered earlier this week.  Since he hurt his ankle, he's had to plan and strategize to make even the simplest of moves.  I have been right by his side to help him, but I've been taken aback by how helpless this injury has rendered him.  Climbing stairs has proven to be a nearly impossible feat for him, despite his attempts to do so using the most well thought out of plans.  The look of frustration on his face makes me a little sad sometimes because I know how stubbornly independent he can be!  Still, watching him as he learns to cope with his temporary physical limitations makes me really think about how tentative and cautious he must be before attempting to  move his body in any way.  I realized that I could stand to be a little more tentative with my "movement", my mouth and the decisions that I make too.  I would do well to pause, much like my husband now does, before responding to others in ways that I know are not pleasing to God.  The Bible reminds me that God is concerned about everything that happens to me in my life, so why not ask Him about even the small stuff?

"Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord; give me understanding according to thy word.  Let my supplication come before thee; deliver me according to thy word.  Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts" - Psalms 119: 169-160;173

 

Valley Lilies

I've never even had the slightest interest in mountain climbing.  The aching muscles, the profuse sweating, the harsh weather conditions... no thanks!  Some people love the idea of slowly and meticulously planning their ascent up the side of a large mountain, carrying with them every item they will need to survive outdoors once they reach the top.  Not me.  I've never wanted to experience the intensity of this kind of struggle and would certainly NEVER have willingly placed myself on such a path!  Don't get me wrong, though.  I'm not afraid of a good challenge.  A few pinches of challenge and a wee bit of struggle can help to add some flavor to the "stew" of life.

As with most dishes that are prepared in a slow cooker, a slow-cooked batch of "life stew" will be most flavorful when all of the ingredients are allowed to slowly blend together at a steady temperature.  Shortcuts are not advisable, as they will only serve to compromise the finished product.  I, for one, love the simplicity of cooking in my slow cooker.  I add the raw ingredients and end up with a delectable and savory dish 6-8 hours later.  What could be easier?

Consider the different ingredients that are often needed to create a flavorful dish.  Are they all similar?  Any good cook knows that it's often the contrast of seasonings or ingredients in a dish that make it delicious, interesting and memorable!  I use this strategy with many of my signature dishes, and my friends and family keep coming back for more!  Let's go back to the analogy of the "life stew" for a moment.  Life's pleasantries are a very sweet and critical ingredient in this dish, but a great dish needs balance.  A dash of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of vinegar might be just what is needed to create the kind of balance we're looking for. These ingredients could represent some of the challenges that we all face at one point or another in our lives, but we can't stop with them because our "stew" still needs more.  Specialty ingredients (not your everyday Food Lion or Wal-Mart brands) are sometimes added to a dish to increase it's authenticity or to give it that special "wow factor".  We can add specialty spices to our "life stew", but we can only get these important ingredients from God.  It is God who adds just the right amounts of grace and mercy.  It is God who adds  supernatural doses of strength, faith or patience to our "stew" whenever we need Him to.  Without these special ingredients, our efforts would be futile and our resources wasted.

No, I've never wanted to climb the side of a mountain, yet I've found myself in this very predicament time and time again.  Yes, with God's help, I've climbed and descended my share of mountain sides!  I once asked Him why the descent was always necessary, and He reminded me of all that I've learned in the "valley experiences" of my life.  He comforts me during times of difficulty by drawing my attention to the beautiful lilies of the valley.  These lilies remind me that all is never lost and that God's promise is to give me beauty in exchange for my life's ashes.  So, whether I'm experiencing a mountain high or a valley low, I'll remain focused and alert, as not to miss out on any of the lessons (some incidental, some written just for me) that I need to learn.

  "Lord, help me to give thanks in every situation I find myself in, recognizing that I can trust You to continue to lead, provide for and protect me no matter what.  Thank you for being a present help to me always.  Amen."