When the Cookie Crumbles

Before you get all excited at the thought of cookies, this isn't about those warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookies (even though that sounds amazing right now!) Nope, this is about when you let go of control *gasp* yes, you heard me correctly. Letting. Go. Of. Control!

For those who know me, ya'll know that I am a foodie, and if you're just getting to know me, Hi, I'm a total foodie! So sometimes when I'm talking to someone about something, I often use food to help explain things, I know I know, rather weird, but hear me out...it works! A while back my husband and I had a friend stop by who wasn't having the best of days, the relationship that they were in had ended and they were truly crushed. We sat there in our living room and consoled our friend, encouraging them that there was a plan and purpose in all of this, even if it didn't feel that way. We listened to them share their heart in what they desired in a partner and the Lord showed me a picture and prompted me to share it with them. With a slight chuckle, I explained it to them like this. "It seems as though you got out of an appetizer relationship, where you got a taste and feel for what you truly desire to have in a partner. But let me ask you a question, do you want chopped steak, or do you want a porterhouse steak? Because one of them comes out quicker than the other, and let's be honest, who doesn't love a fat, juicy, well-marbled piece of steak? Good things come to those who earnestly wait, and I know that can oftentimes be difficult, but isn't it worth it? Not only that, but the Lord usually brings us the porterhouse steak with some delectable dessert to end the night with. And that's exactly what He wants to do for you, with whom He has set apart for you."

It brought me back to when I had done the whole dating thing, bouncing between one dud (no offense to them) to another, feeling hopeless and discouraged that I would literally become the "Old Maid" in the deck of cards. But it was when the cookie finally crumbled, and yes that cookie was me, and I relinquished control of my destiny of finding my life partner. I told the Lord that I didn't want to be the co-captain, skipper, or staff; He could find me in the back seat with some snacks and iced coffee and that He was in charge from here on out. And let me tell you, that cookie crumbled, and it was so worth it. I finally realized the true freedom that came from letting go. Freedom that had no weight attached, no strings attached, nothing, nada zip zero. There is something so beautiful in surrender, especially to someone who you can't physically see, but you know without a doubt is there always. I also realized how EXHAUSTING it was to try to stay in control all the time, and you don't fully realize it until it's not there lingering and pulling at you. The best part is that around four months after I basically kissed dating goodbye until the Lord gave me the green light, the Lord gave me the green light and brought in my husband. He was cued in right on time, HIS timing, not mine. And the rest is history. I say all this to encourage you in this. The Lord is always on time. He is the ultimate. He puts Hallmark movies to shame, yes even the Christmas ones; and I'm a total sucker for a snowy Christmas sappy love story! But I got my love story, and the funny thing is, it did NOT look like a hallmark movie, it was a wild bumpy ride, full of twists and turns, tears and laughter, and a sparkly ring to seal the deal in the end! I know we think we can offer the Lord "help" sometimes, but sister, don't do it. Trust me. Just leave it in His hands and enjoy your snacks and iced coffee on the front of the ship, take in the view, and rest knowing that even when the cookie crumbles, the Lord can use that for His own sweet recipe and make something 10x better. Now go watch a sappy Christmas Hallmark movie, tis' the season y'all!