Mickey Starling
Columnist
Searching for things has been a consistent theme in my life. As a kid, I had a talent for making things even harder to find. For instance, I was once watching my brother play tennis and decided I could watch with greater clarity if I cleaned my glasses. Unfortunately, a squirrel, puppy or pretty young lady distracted me while I was in the process, and I laid my glasses down to focus on whatever the prize was before me.
If you are wondering why my impaired vision didn’t help me remember to put the glasses back on, it’s because I just began wearing them, so the difference wasn’t so noticeable yet. But, as I was eating supper that evening, my parents inquired about the missing eyewear, which I still didn’t know was missing. A quick tap to the nose confirmed my absent mindedness, and the search began. It only took about an hour before I remembered that I left them at the tennis court. Fortunately, they were waiting patiently for me the next morning.
I had many similar scenarios in my youth, usually involving misplaced belts, jackets and socks, all which drew the familiar refrain from my father: “If you put them in the same place all the time, you’ll know where to find them.” Great advice for anyone who follows it. I am more of a creative discovery kind of guy.
Recently, a valuable life lesson came my way, courtesy of my coffee creamer.
My daily ritual always begins near the coffee pot. This particular day presented an unexpected quandary, as I could not locate my new carton of half and half in the refrigerator. Mind you, our refrigerator is much like the Bermuda Triangle. Lots of things go in there, but they are lost, never to be seen again.
I slowly worked my way into a frenzy as the whereabouts of the elusive creamer remained a mystery, even after unloading much of the fridge’s contents. Just as morbid despair began to settle over me as I considered using milk as a substitute, I spotted the creamer, laying on its side and tucked into a corner. How could I have missed it?
I gave that thought serious consideration until it hit me. I was looking for a tall, upright carton, usually found on the top shelf. My visualization blinded me to the possibility of a different shape and location. It’s a wonder I ever saw it.
While the warm nectar of the gods was slowly restoring my mental acuity, I wondered how many times God had presented opportunities, blessings and chances to grow spiritually that I completed missed because I expected them to look a certain way. How many prayers were answered that I was unaware of because the outcome was not what I envisioned. Yet, like my creamer, God’s activity in my life was right in front of me, and I never noticed.
The lesson for us is, in order to see the Father’s hand in our lives more clearly, we must drop preconceived notions of how He must move. Unlike us, He actually knows what is best for us, down to the smallest act that will cause our lives to be fruitful and fulfilling. I tend to think what is best for me will also be comfortable, but that isn’t true. Comfort confines us. Stretching conforms us to His image and likeness, if we let it.
Here’s some of my proof: several years ago, my wife and I took on an important ministry opportunity, but it came with a catch. The Lord impressed me to never prepare a message, but to trust Him to give what is needed. I was horrified at the thought of filling at least 30 minutes without a clue as to what to say. However, these meetings continue to be my favorite moments because God has been faithful to deliver what He wants every week. I get no credit, but I am blessed to see what He can do when I get out of the way, drop my preparation security blanket and let Him flow.
Whatever He wants to require of you or bless you with may look entirely different, but don’t be fooled by comfortable and familiar shapes. He’s in the hard stuff, too, always looking out for what’s truly best for you.