2 small revelations

Revelation 1: I noticed tonight during the local youth baseball game that people were talking...a lot. 
Really, they seemed to relish the very art of conversation. 

There was a constant hum, an endless chatter.
And, I began to wonder at our desire and ability at communication.

Why do we like it so much, and what does that have to do with God?
I like to remember how He says we're made in His image (Genesis 1:26), which means we reflect Him....in most everything we do.  Our very essence breathes His own.

So, if we're made in the image of God, and we love communicating, talking, sharing, laughing, listening, then, we can be certain that God is the master Communicator.  He, after all, authored the Bible.

Revelation 2: This is our 14th wedding anniversary, which always causes me to be more ponderous and reflective...thinking over the years, mulling over trials, suffering, good days.

Those reflections led to a mini revelation in my heart today.  I've bemoaned past trials and challenges, wishing at times that things would have been pieced together differently, within a perhaps tidier and neater package.

In the middle of those mind meanderings, it dawned on me that nothing can enter my domain without it first having passed through the okay of Christ Himself.  As He is owner of all, and as all (including the Evil One) must yield and submit to Him, He has the final word on what befalls me.  I remembered how Joseph told his brothers, " You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20) 

God's desire for me is good, His good, which may be defined differently than my good.  God's intention is to refine me, to grow me, to discipline me, to use whatever means He chooses to effect the changes He desires.  He purposes to conform me to Himself, and if that requires some high waters, tumultuous storms, terrifying fires, or dry wastelands, He will do it.  His desire is good for me, good for me.  Not just good like a tasty ice-cream but good as in character-shaping, identity-defining, readiness-equipping, Christ-conforming good.

I have fought it, resisted, mourned over what was lost, tasted bitter roots of days gone, wept for life changed; but today, God showed me in this mini revelation that He is truly working all things together for my good.  And, now I'm understanding that this does not simply mean lining things up to make my day a good one, or to bring good from a bad situation; rather, He issues troubles, trials in order to obtain the good He has in store.  These sufferings are His means to His end.

Please give me arms to embrace the thorny memories and trials to come, a mind that trusts that You know what You're doing, and a heart that welcomes these refineries with hospitality and thanksgiving.

I need You.