An in-between day

1 Kings 19:1-8

Dear Friends in Christ -

It's an in-between day. Vacation is almost over, but not yet. My chores are almost done, but not yet. Work is starting to crank up, but things aren't yet fully under way. On days like today, I sometimes have trouble getting my feet under me. And this brutal cold is the final straw. I just want to pull the covers over my head!

It was great comfort to me to find this story about Elijah in today's daily office reading. Elijah is fed up. He's been working hard and has had tremendous success, but his enemies are still hounding him, and he's exhausted. At the point at which the pressure against him gets so bad that someone threatens his life, Elijah makes a run for it. Forced to hide out like a criminal even though he's one of the good guys, Elijah feels sorry for himself. And just when he's complaining to God that he doesn't even know if he can go on, an angel comes to help him out.

In terms of difficulty, my life bears no resemblance to Elijah's. But when it comes to complaining to God about this, that, and the other thing, I can keep up with the best of 'em.

It's SO comforting to know that God greets us in our exhaustion and complaining not with distain, but with angelic comfort and support. Isn't that amazing? The God of the universe could call our complaints petty or point out that others have it worse. But instead, he greets our honesty with compassion (though the OT shows if we whine too long God does get impatient!). Of course, we can refuse help and continue to wallow. But I think I'll keep an eye out for an angel and accept help when it's offered. How 'bout you?

Faithfully,
Janet+