The Parable of the Spilt Milk

This past weekend Kristy and I were preparing a scrumptious PB&J lunch for the kids. Nathan and Brooke were anxiously anticipating the the delicious sandwiches but were very "vocal" about their need for some milk too. With the kids following close behind, I retrieved the milk from the refrigerator and proceeded to shake it up as I usually do. Before I knew it, I was covered in moo-juice.

I know you're thinking to yourself, "Aaron is a grown adult. Surely he's capable of handling a jug of milk without creating "Pool de Leche" in the middle of the kitchen floor." Well I'll let you in on a little secret ... there's an individual in our household (who will remain nameless) who has a tendency to place the cap ever so gently on the milk jug without twisting it on all the way. This saboteur has also been known to strike bottles of apple juice, Gatorade, and salad dressing.

Brooke, who was eager to join the fun, made a bee-line for the pool of milk when out of the blue Nathan shoved her to the floor. I could see the look of confusion on Brooke's face as the water works started and she pouted, "Na-Na!" (her affectionate name for Nathan). It was like she was trying to say, "Why would you do that to me Nathan? I was only trying to have a little fun." But upon interrogation, Nathan claimed he was just protecting his little sister from falling in the milk. I helped him explain this to Brooke who seemed to shrug the whole thing off after they exchanged hugs.

(Don't cry over it, clean it up; photo courtesy of Faux Food Diner)

From Brooke's perspective, Nathan was unjustly inflicting harm on her. But that really wasn't the case. How often do we question God's intentions when "bad things" happen to us? We don't fully understand His purpose but I'll tell you another secret: God is infinitely smarter than you or me and His love for each and every one of us is never-ending. Paul writes in Romans 8:28, that "... in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." He follows up this statement with another verse in Ephesians 1:11, saying "... [God] works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will ..."

You see, God knows what He's doing. Better yet, what may seem like a streak of misfortune is in fact all part of His master plan. We may not understand it at this time, for He is sovereign. But in Jeremiah 29:11 God promises the following: "For I know the plans I have for you ... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

That's why we can look forward to life in His kingdom where "He will wipe every tear ... There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain ..." (Revelation 21:4). Let's look forward to that day when Christ returns (pssst ... that's part of His plan too) and pray that it comes soon.

Stay the course, finish the race ... AB