When Hurley asked his friend what he was keeping in his new container, the response was, “Chili and iced tea.”
And that my friends, is the story of my life. Chili and iced tea--all in the same bottle.
We were thrilled to learn this morning that my husband’s test results appeared to show nothing significant in the way of cancer migration. But, after an extensive conversation with the doctor, the situation appears more complex than we first understood and makes a less invasive treatment unlikely.
This is very disappointing to my husband. And to me.
So, we’re right back where we started trying to choose the best of an unappealing range of options. We’d appreciate your prayers for wisdom in that regard.
On the iced tea side, my daughter received a phone call yesterday from the president of an institution of higher learning informing her that she had won their most prestigious scholarship award—four years of full tuition, a stipend for study abroad, and inclusion in an honors program. We were turning cartwheels in the driveway. Okay, we didn’t turn cartwheels in the driveway, but we thought about it.
Chili and iced tea--sorrow and joy--right up against each other.
It’s the story of all who live, but for those of us who walk with God, the secret lies in keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. The disciples, after witnessing the glorious transfiguration, and hearing the voice of God, fell on their faces. When they looked up, they “…saw no one except Jesus.” (Matthew 17:8) From there they descended as Oswald Chambers says, “…into the demon possessed valley…” God took them from great joy to the harsh reality of life by causing them to focus on the only One who could sustain them through both.
So that’s where we are.
Looking to Jesus…no matter what’s in our thermos.