A Story of Three Masks!
Have you heard the story of The Three Wells? If not, let me share an exciting story. Here goes ...
Well! Well! Well!
That's it! Wasn't it a grand story? Grin! And ... my apologies ... I could not resist it!
However, I trust my silliness brought a wide smile to your face!
And now ... for my real story.
A Story of Three Masks!
Mask Number One was one that didn't make it. The thing is, I'd meant to pop it in my bag to use at the shops. But when I opened my bag, I found to my consternation that it wasn't there. Oh no! I couldn't go into the chemist's as intended, but I did learn my lesson. Since then, I've always made sure I had one when needed. It reminded me be on the ball at all times and to ensure I remember what's important. Like loving others. Doing my part. Working hard. Forgiving those who hurt me. Walking close to Jesus.
Mask number Two was a lovely soft blue mask and right for my face, except ... that like a sock without an elastic, it kept slipping down - arrrgggh! Until ... I learnt to twist the bands around my ears so it became the right size for my face after all. So mask number Two taught me that I must adapt to people and circumstances of my life in order for it to flow better. Oh that I keep learning to adapt, like a tree that sways in stormy weather, but with roots that go deep!
Mask Number Three. A year ago, I went to my favourite bookshop in the city to catch-up with a favourite friend and she gifted me with an attractive new mask for my birthday - an early birthday gift it was. It sported cheery bright colours. It stated in bold letters 'Amazing Grace'! God's grace is something I need every day, so it was perfect. It was mask that kept on giving. It kept me safe from covid. Its soft material was comfortable and the ear straps just right. Its colours brightened this sad old covid-saturated world. Friends often commented on how pretty it was. In fact, whereas I'd earlier disliked wearing a mask - this one was different. I enjoyed having it on. How cool was that!
Mask number three taught me that though what I look for and find may be helpful or good (like the standard boring mask I put on) what God gifts me with (often through the generous and loving hand of a friend) is something much better. God knows what I really need. And He delights in giving it to me. Like for instance what occured a few days ago. I had searched for a cheap watch - one with a large face that's easy to read when I am out walking. The striking blue watch I bought at a discounted, low price was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you God.
It served me well for a few months ... until, that is ... it broke! I took it to the shop and had it fixed. It worked well for a couple more years but then it broke again. This time, I was offered another watch in its place. Now ... if only I could locate its receipt. I couldn't ... at first but ... it was finally located in the last place I looked. Of course! Hooray! I found it. I was given a brand new watch in its place. And guess what! It was even better than my first one. Wow!
Sometimes, God allows me to learn from my mistakes. Sometimes He throws a challenge or two, so I can grow and find a way around it. Sometimes, He removes what I value but then, He replaces it with something even better. Have you discovered that? Perhaps, you, like me have lost something precious? Your health? A relationship? A job? A dream? If so, hang in there dear friend. You and I know that life is no picnic. We often have to climb a few mountains or slide down a few slippery slopes in order to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
There are some losses this side of heaven that will sadly never be replaced until we get there - such as loved ones who go before us, leaving one's heart with an aching void. But there are other trials that make us stronger and bring us fresh joys and new opportunities right here on earth. God often takes away something I prize in order to give me something better. He removes earthly safety-nets that have given me a false sense of security, so I learn that true security is found only in Jesus. He removes earth's transient treasures so I discover the eternal riches of heaven.
Suffering is part of our human experience but you know, often it is in that suffering that we discover the face of Christ. And in Christ, we do have everything. May the God of hope walk beside you today, filling your cup with His love and His goodness, His peace and His blessing. I pray that out of His riches in Christ Jesus He will replace your losses, first and most importantly, with Himself and then, with everything else you need.
"The Lord is my Shepherd. I have everything I need." Psalm 23:1
"And my God will supply all your needs according
to His riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19
Dedication:
I dedicate this blog to my dear friend Meriama and her husband Henry. Philippians 4:19 was one of Henry's favourite verses. Sadly, Henry left us for heaven's shores on 24th June 2022. Celebrating his life and his 36 year marriage. With thanksgiving to God for his beautiful wife's faith which continues to bless her during her time of loss and grief.
Rest in peace Henry and enjoy your heavenly reward.
Our deepest sympathies to Meriama and your children and grandchildren. May God's comfort and strength be yours.