It had been a really bad day. Issues with my family, issues at work, even issues with my hair. I had complained to God and one of my close friends. But I was pretty determined to be in a bad mood. I only had one more errand before I could go home and wallow in self-pity for the rest of the evening. Since I only needed a handful things from Wal Mart – milk, toilet paper, and fabric dye – I expected to be in and out in just a few minutes.
Storming around the store with my “poor me” attitude I found the fabric dye on the aisle with the laundry detergent. Dark brown was only available in the liquid version. I needed a lot so I started pulling bottles off the little shelf over my head. Each time I grabbed one the others were pushed forward by a spring-loaded mechanism on the shelf.
As I lifted the next to last bottle the one behind it shot out and up. There was no time to take cover, it all happened too fast. When the bottle hit the tile floor the cap popped off and dark liquid squirted across the aisle splattering everything in its path, including me. As I surveyed the damage, God spoke to me quietly. “Okay, you’ve been whining all day. How are you going to respond to this?”
While I sponged myself off with the paper towels hung on a nearby post, I considered my options. I could continue down the path I’d been on all day and let this dark mess be the last straw that pushed me over the edge to a full blown, self-absorbed tantrum. Or, I could remember that God is in control. He not only is aware of all the problems, issues, and worries in my life, He cares about each one. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).”
Rest in Jesus or throw a fit on the detergent aisle in Wal Mart? This time I chose Jesus. And I pray I will next time too. On my way home I called the sweet friend I had complained to earlier in the day. We both laughed as I recounted the flying dye story. Sometimes God uses unique ways to get our attention.
Following Jesus even though the “dye” is cast…I like it! grin You are a masterful writer; your authentic faith stories challenge and encourage me in my own walk of faith.
I needed that course correction today! Try planning a wedding for ample opportunities to complain or trust God and know that He’s sovereign!
I just love God’s sense of humor!
A very timely message. My house got broken into this morning at 3:15 am. Thank you Kathy for allowing God to use you through your writing and your testimonies. It is very encouraging to me during this time.
I loved reading this story and reliving it with you. God is good even in the most trying of days. You always bless me with your good sense of humor, and keeping things in prespective. I loved the Scripture you used to sum it all up.
Many times when I read someone’s book by or hear them speak, I only see the “best” side of them and I fail to stop and remind myself that they are human too. Thanks for reminding me that we all have bad days, no matter who we are and no matter how “spiritual” we may appear to others. I tried to put myself in your place, standing in the Wal-Mart isle, with dye all over me, and thinking how I would react. Since my husband is a pastor in town and many know me, I certainly could not throw a fit, but it would sure be tempting! So, in playing this scene out in my mind, I could see Jesus bending over, holding his stomach and laughing so hard He had tears rolling down His face; of course, I had to look up and say to him, “So glad I could bring you joy today, Lord!”
The Lord is so personal in speaking to us and using the circumstances of our lives to do it!
Your story reminded me of me of a time where I was grumbling about some real and difficult circumstances in my life.
After venting my frustrations to God with, “I’m done with this!” I noticed a SMILING woman, with more obvious challenges, wheeling herself around the clothing rack right beside me.
My pride deflated as God clearly showed me how harder my circumstances COULD be!
Thanks Deanna for sharing that! God often uses creative ways to get our attention!