Moooo-chas Gracias!

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