Are you feeling the heat? Besides the sweltering hot, summer is on a scorching pace. Does anyone else feel it should still be…say, May?
Summer has tried to wither me. There have been several times my strength and spirit seemed shriveled. Rather than allowing these burns more attention, I’ll share the summer fun that made my heart soar (NOT sear)!
The early morning sun felt perfect that Tuesday. We were celebrating my twin’s birthday! “Let’s go somewhere unique and new!”
The sign with the opossum was intriguing enough (if you live in the Ozarks you understand!). We were giddily hungry as we crossed the quaint street!
Giggling, we read the sign out loud-perfect twin harmony- “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.” We felt a bit singed. As we left, we waved at two couples (with the cutest toddler) standing by the restaurant; we didn’t catch them in time to share it was closed!
Like always, I put a positive spin on it. “Well, that wasn’t meant for us, let’s try another place downtown!”
By the time we parked and walked downtown (keep in mind I move at a snail’s pace right now) the two couples and toddler were approaching us! THIS CAN’T BE. “Closed on Tuesday, July 8th.”
What do you do?
You take a group selfie with your new friends having the same luck! 😊
By the time we cooled off in the car for a bit, we drove to the OTHER side of town, praying that place wouldn’t be closed.
THEY WERE OPEN!😊
“Do you have seats with cushions?” I asked as we were being welcomed to the OPEN restaurant. The man made a quick right and guess who was seated at the table RIGHT BESIDE US? Laughter erupted! “Are you stalking us?” Kristy asked them.
“Are you TWO stalking US?” Not only were they friendly, but funny!
During our breakfast they shared that one couple was from Colorado visiting with their young toddler. We all wanted something unique to eat! We found ourselves in a unique situation that we agreed we would all share! Who would believe we went to the same 3 restaurants?
When the check was dropped off the waitress leaned over and said, “Your bill has been paid. They wish to stay anonymous.” She was smiling the whole time because she heard our story and had fun with us the entire time. Gratitude? Oh my. AND TEARS. We couldn’t believe it! We hugged goodbye and talked about how we will pay it forward. At that moment I didn’t feel shriveled or withered. The warmth of their kindness and generosity made for continued perfect temperatures.
My skin has felt charred by blood draws. My bones burn and my mobility is marred. We all have sizzling situations. They remind me of Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness. With a confident “NO” he could reply to Satan’s temptations. He knew who HE was—the great I AM.
Do we have to walk through the fire, blistered by burns, or experience the scalding desolate times in the wilderness to know who we ARE?
“My energy shrivels; situations will scorch. I’ll not wither in sweltering weather and woes. I’ll avoid being parched–the Living Waters will quench my soul.”
K.L. Hale
Let’s allow our faith to fuel flames and burn bright with the hope, love, and mercy that Jesus shows us.
Do you KNOW HOW LOVED YOU ARE? REALLY?
Have hope. Keep the faith. 💚
Finley River Hale turned 8 years old last month!
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