I did a little surgery in my kitchen. I volunteered to fix
my sister’s (who is not seven but an adult Spanish teacher) plush talking cow
that is supposed to say “Mooooooo-chas Gracias!” in a very masculine Latino
voice. Pre-surgery, it sounded demon-possessed. Imagine major static over a
loud-speaker with a satanic voice spewing and spitting an evil “muchas gracias”.
I successfully opened the plush, located the voice box, and
cleaned up the corroded batteries. Well, after that he was his normal self,
muchas gracias-ing all the way through the post-op suturing. But every jostle
or bump had him saying “Moooooooo-chas gracias!” more times than I could count.
It was like he was saying “Thanks for the fix” each time I jabbed him with the
needle.
Now I’ve been in the ER to get stitches and, trust me, saying
“thank you for jabbing me with a needle 12 times” wasn’t at the top of the mind.
Things like “Ow” or “I’m scared” or “I hope that’s enough anesthetic” were more
the thoughts. Definitely not “Thank you,” at least not until it was over. But
this little cow – I shall call him Fernando – taught me a little lesson.
When God allows the jabs and pokes and discomfort in life, it’s
appropriate to say “thank you.” It’s part of being molded and growing in His
discipleship. It’s that big word: Sanctification. He’s fixing us. We know
discipline is part of being his child, and all our struggles teach us. When he
fixes us it’s usually painful – we have to face our brokenness.
So next time something is
uncomfortable or downright painful, try to let out a “Moooooooo-chas
gracias!” He’s doing something (don’t ask me what – ask Him!) and it’s for our good, not harm. And it may even
help to laugh some too. Try it – try saying “Moooooooo-chas Gracias” without
smiling.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
