Too Much Cream

Since I’ve been crying a lot, I’ve become an expert on tissues. Some are scratchier than others. Some are less sturdy and dissolve in a mush. And surprisingly, several brands are too soft. You see, they are full of cream. Because they are full of cream they have no room for tears.

Unfortunately, I discovered this when I was in a public place and in more than a usual puddle of wet. My tears just ran off the things and down my face, wrecking what was left of my make-up. I shudder to think what would have happened if that tissue was used for nose purposes.

Most of us would like a soft, sweet, creamy-smooth life. Do you know what that would get us? We would become people who couldn’t stand in the normal events of life. One little whisper of a problem and we would melt away like a bowl of ice-cream in the sun.

Ezekiel 21:7- And when they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning? ’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every leg will be wet with urine.’ It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign Lord (NIV).”

So when financial trouble looms, or illness strikes, or the children just won’t co-operate, remember this. The Lord our God is preparing us to withstand real life. So stand in the exam halls, trust Him in the babysitting days, and move forward through what is happening today, because something harder will eventually show up. That is just life.

Psalm 119:28- My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word (NIV).

Prayer: Lord, make us like handkerchiefs of fine linen, strong indeed, whether in the wash or on the line, in use or laid aside. Don’t soften us with too much cream. For Christ’s sake. Amen.