As many already know, our little family is in the middle of a transition. After nearly twelve years our ministry assignment is changing. Over the past month our house has been an absolute wreck. Cleaning, and purging, and packing—OH MY! I haven’t really had a routine in two months and I’ve become like a caffeine starved coffee drinker at times. A few days ago I traveled into the abyss (also known as my daughters room) with gloves, a gas mask, and a biohazard container (who are we kidding-it was a trash can, ha ha!!). I mustered up as much bravery and confidence as I could find and began the arduous process of cleaning out from under her bed. While rifling through the dust bunnies, broken dolls of the past, crayons, and leftover Cheetos I hit my breaking point. I literally said out loud, “I’m sick of this junk….AHHHHHH!!!!” No sooner had I said it I hit game box under the bed and marbles exploded all over the floor. I wanted to be mad but I couldn’t. I just busted out laughing. (I guess you could say I found all the marbles I had lost over the years-HA!)
You see, I have this special relationship with marbles. Any time I see them I’m reminded a specific moment in my life. My wife and I were undergoing fertility treatments attempting to get pregnant. All the shots, pills, and doctor’s visits were coming to a climax on this one specific day. We had spent the night with some of our closest friends to be closer to that hospital for the early morning procedure. When we got up that morning, though I tried to hide it, my stress level was shining through the fake smile I had painted on my face. Right before leaving my friend walked over to me and, sitting on the edge of the couch, held out a marble to me. I looked at him (attempting to mask my confusion) as he said, “As small and insignificant as this marble seems to you-imagine what it looks like to God. This is how small your problems are to Him. He’s already taken care of this and has gone ahead of you.” He prayed with me, hugged my neck, and we went on our way. If you know me or read my blog you know that doctors visit didn’t end well. Believe it or not, that marble still rolls around my top dresser drawer as I’m getting something out or putting something in it daily. Every time I see it I’m reminded of that time in my life. Though things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to I learned that my worries are nothing in comparison to how big my God is. He’s never concerned with (what I perceive as) the stressful moments of my life because He already knows the outcome. I’m worrying about the details and God is sitting up there shaking His head saying, “I told you…I’ve got this!” And you know what? From experience, I can assure you–He does!
Closing remarks and encouragement: I don’t know what your ‘marble’ is today. It could be any number of things. He will always be the calm in the middle of any storm. Grab a marble and be reminded of how BIG your God is. I leave you with a few words from the Apostle Paul—“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” [2 Thessalonians 3:16]
Have a blessed week, my friends!