I don’t know about you, but I’m not the kind of girl who shaves her legs every day. During the summer I try not to shame myself too horribly, but during the winter it’s usually a dark and creepy forest under all those layers. It just takes so much effort to bend down for that long only to get out of the shower and have it all grow back in seconds!
Yes, ladies, it takes a special occasion for me to shave my legs.
Several years ago my husband took me out on a date for Valentine’s Day. He’s taken me on dates since then, but this was one that stands out. Now, this is at the point in the relationship where Valentine’s Day had lost some of its umph, if you know what I mean. Well, I got all dolled up for the occasion. I even busted out my junior year homecoming dress (hey, if you feel hot that’s all that matters, right?) And yes, I shaved my legs. Ryan made it sound like we were going somewhere really special.
This was going to be a night to remember.
My first clue should have been the 20 minute walk through the freezing cold across the University campus. My second clue should have been that he said we were going to a symphony and he didn’t have any tickets. To my dismay, we walked in late to a college orchestra practice session. Want to know what crossed my mind?
Did I shave my legs for THIS???????
My life seems to be a series of disappointments. Maybe all those Christian Romance novels warped my view of reality. Maybe I expect too much from my husband, my kids, and most of all, God. I spent my 20’s wallowing in a pit of pity amidst all of the shattered dreams, unmet expectations, and disappointments doled out by this God who claims to love me. Why would this good God lead his children straight into the wilderness? I’ve showed up. I’ve done my part. And I’ve come up empty.
What about you? Has your marriage failed to live up to your daydreams? Have your kids changed your ideas that being a mom is the greatest job in the world? Did your dream job fail to satisfy? In the midst of the endless laundry, insurmountable bills, broken relationships, silent tears, and guilt-ridden days, do you ever feel like it’s all just a bit too much? This wasn’t what you signed up for, right? You show up. You do your part. And you come up empty. Have you ever wondered in the sludge of life:
Did I shave my legs for THIS????????
Although I’m still miles and miles from all the answers, I have learned something I want to share with you. In the echo of my questions, God’s gentle whisper beckons me close. By way of His matchless glory (the manifestation of his presence), I’ve discovered that the disappointments of life are avenues to the greatest discoveries of God’s heart. What if we saw the wilderness not as a barren wasteland, but as the rich soil of deepest intimacy? What if the Valley of Trouble is actually the Gateway of Hope? (see Hosea 2:15)
Beginning in September, every Monday I will post a thought for us to discuss throughout the week. I can’t promise that they will always be robust with wisdom or deluged with insight, but I will promise that they will be real, honest, and relatable.
My Savior is on a reckless hunt for my heart. He is on a reckless hunt for yours too. Will you join me as we turn our disappointments into discoveries?
No comments:
Post a Comment