There is no doubt that some times are "desert times." You hate to admit it, but you start really being able to relate to those Jewish guys wandering aimlessly for 40 years. Wasn't the Promised Land just over that next hill and yet God knew they weren't yet ready to go there. They still had a lot of refinement to go through. Sometimes I read that story and get so impatient with the Jews... I think, geez guys get it together! The God of the Universe just delivered you from Hell on Earth with a series of perfectly formed supernatual miracles, and all you can do is whine? Other times, I feel for them. There is nothing worse than feeling aimless and lost, never knowing what's next or why, facing obstacles at every turn, knowing the Promised Land has to be just over there.
I would whine, too.
It happens so quickly, that trip out to the desert. You're just going along, minding your own business, and here comes a sandstorm. It feels wrong and piteous to whine, because you know how blessed you actually are, but whining just comes. Restless, aimless, discouraged and disappointed. I know my children go through it and so do I. Some days, it's not so easy to just dust yourself off and go forward with a smile on your face. It -- life -- just gets to you. But when you have kids, you can't hang around in the desert for long (like you'd want to!). You have to get with the program or they start asking you, "Mama, are you mad at me?" Now there's a real desert moment.
We talked about bad thoughts recently and how sometimes bad thoughts are just the devil whispering lies in your ear. So wisely, Little Sister observed: "But you don't have to listen."
Amen.
What do you do when you're in a desert time?
Your comments are always welcome and appreciated.
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