Pressure
My grandmother used to make greens in the pressure cooker. I remember the sound of that whistle. It is a signature sound. I want to encourage you that God is aware of the pressure you are under. There is purpose in the press, to get the oil out. The pressure is producing. It's purifying. It’s refining. It’s making diamonds. It's not comfortable. It’s not nice, but it will be worth it in the end. Just like that pressure cooker, when it’s close to being done. You will hear a signature sound. The test will come to an end. The pressure will subside, and you will come out as pure gold.
Pivot
If I could summarize 2020, it would be the year of the pivot. It is the year everything changed. It truly is a year of 20/20 vision. I’m sure many of us never expected to see the travesties or the triumphs we saw this year. This year showed us how to survive and how to thrive. For many of us, the budget was tight. For many of us, the patience ran thin. For many of us, the vices won. For many of us, peace of mind came in the form of binge watching shows we would have never otherwise entertained. Some relationships were tested and others failed. No matter how you come out, just make sure you come out. Pivot.
Thorn
I remember playing with my grandmother’s rose bush. I just wanted to pick a rose without getting stuck. It became a game. I’m sure my grandmother didn’t appreciate my trying to pick her roses either. Needless to say, I was unsuccessful most of the time. I managed to get in trouble for attempting to pick a rose and ended up hurting myself in the process. How many of us find ourselves trying to pursue something and end up getting hurt in the process? We knew it was dangerous. We knew the risk, but we did it anyway.
I was even more intrigued by the theme of thorns in the bible. God didn’t remove Paul’s thorn. Jesus was given a crown of thorns. It was like God saying that pain is part of the process. You remember the pain. You remember being uncomfortable. You tend to learn the lesson when you aren’t saved from the part that hurts. Maybe God has allowed you to experience the pain of thorns in your life. Maybe you got some bad news. Maybe you lost something or someone you cherished. Maybe you are experiencing a difficult season. God has not forgotten you. He is reminding you that his grace is sufficient.
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Tools
Every trial you’ve experienced in your life has given you a tool. Over time, you accumulate these tools. They are yours to share with others. They are yours to build or remodel with depending on your choice. You have a wheelhouse. Use it. Some people refer to them as keys. They can lock and unlock doors. They give you perspective. They give you insight. They give you wisdom. Use the tools God has given you.
Toys
It’s that time of year. Parents are shopping for Christmas presents for their kids. Kids are making their wish list. Some are spending frivolously. Others are sacrificing to make it happen. Toys aren’t just child’s play. Adults are sleeping outside for that new PS5. In some cases, it’s like the pandemic never happened. Black Friday sales were online and in store. I almost have to wonder if we got the lesson. This was the year to focus on what we already have. This was the year to focus on the giver not the gift. This was the year to turn our toys into tools.
Unscathed
adjective
without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
My prayer has been that despite what we may go through that we come out unscathed. My prayer is that we don’t look like our past. My prayer is that we learn the lesson the first time. I’m reminded of the three Hebrew boys. God didn't save them from the furnace. He kept them through it. We haven’t been spared from 2020, but He is keeping us through it. We still had to endure the humiliation and the torment. We still had to get the diagnosis. We still lost that house. We still lost that relationship. I’m reminded of Job who lost it all, but God replaced it with better. Praise God for his keeping power. Praise God for his restorative power. You didn’t lose your mind. You didn’t lose your faith. Look in the mirror. Declare you are coming out unscathed.
Unforgiven
I’ve heard about loved ones remaining alive until they’ve handled all their unfinished business. People let go of lifelong fueds and offenses when faced with tragic circumstances. Families hold onto grudges and offenses far too long. How many things have gone unforgiven? How many words have been left unsaid? Every day is an opportunity to make things right. Every hour is a moment to salvage a relationship. Apologize. Forgive even if it's hard to forget. If 2020 has taught me anything, it has been to let it go. It’s not that serious. If they close their eyes was all the time lost worth it in the end? The answer is probably no. So, let it go. Get over it. Time is too precious to waste. Don’t let unforgiven things keep you from what really matters. And if all else fails, let go and let God. Be blessed people.