As Assistants, we are pretty accustomed to the quick-change, short-notice nature of our responsibilities. Responding to the ever-changing needs of our world is part of the job and most days the variety and challenge of it all can be fun! But do you ever have days when those changes happen so quickly and so frequently that you end up feeling dizzy?
Me too.
What about the emotional back-and-forth that can come with those kinds of spins? After all, we don’t just work with keyboards, paper, and mail. We work with people. God’s glorious creation – humankind – who come with troubles, hurts, and really difficult situations. And, as members of that glorious creation ourselves, we can find it pretty weighty to carry our own hardships along with those we are exposed to as we walk through life together.
Recently, I was asking the Lord to help me navigate a day that was filled with unexpected twists and turns. Since this is His work that He has invited me into, I asked Him to show me the way through. Rather than give me strategy or tips on how to pray or even a 3-step plan, He gently whispered, “Embrace the moment you are in right now.”
Well, Lord, that sounds remarkably like the message on that cute little sign I recently saw at Hobby Lobby.
Before I could dismiss the thought as my own rather than encouragement from on High, He pressed in a little. Embrace the moment you are in right now. Embrace it. Pause with it. Allow yourself to fully experience…
- Joy over the news of a new life brought into the world.
- Excitement to know that far-away family have decided to visit.
- Quiet grief over the realization that today is the anniversary of a loved one’s home-going.
- Prayers for the safety of the first responders who just rushed by and for those they are hurrying to help.
- Compassion for the caller who has reached out – once again – to complain, blame, and find fault.
- Appreciation for those you work alongside who arrive with smiles on their faces.
Let’s be honest, we can experience all of these situations within a matter of moments. And the swings of happiness and sadness can reel much wider into more profound emotions depending on the situation. And, if I’m still being honest, I prefer a long stay in Camp Pleasant, where the news is always happy and laughter fills the day. Where I can build a fire and make s’mores. Where the breezes are refreshing, the sunsets are beautiful, and the mosquitoes are far away along with anything else that ruins my joy-filled little corner of the world.
But I digress…
Camp Pleasant is a beautiful place but so is Difficulty Drive. I know, none of us believe that when we are there. But it is true. There are things that we learn on Difficulty Drive that become just as beautiful and heart-filling as the gifts we receive at Camp Pleasant. And what I am learning is this: both are beautiful gifts when we pause to embrace the moments that deliver those gifts. Embracing deep pain helps me revel in deep joy. Pausing to allow grief to do its work allows me to walk with genuine compassion. Allowing myself the time to fully experience the moment – whatever it looks like – opens my hands to the gift that my Father has for me…right now…in this moment.
So, if we serve a loving God…
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1
…and He gives good gifts out of His never-changing goodness…
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
…then we can embrace each situation and trust Him with it for our good…
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
So go ahead and embrace the moment you are in right now. Is it joy? Then laugh to your heart’s content! Is it frustration? Tell the Lord every detail! Is it sorrow? Break out the box of tissues and let it all out! Is it peace? Then breathe deeply and receive His calm. In fact, breathe it ALL in and receive ALL that He has given you. Our Father’s gifts are intended to be received, enjoyed, and experienced…for His glory…for our good…and as precious reminders that…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 