At work, we now have four Chinese fast food eateries to pick from within a 1 to 2 mile radius from the office. We’re so spoiled. For lunch today, I opted for one of my mom and pop favorites that pays an ode to the “king of pop” with its name. I hopped into my car and blared my latest musical acquisition on the short drive. After getting my food and returning to my office with a Jon Foreman tune buzzing about in my head, I dug into my orange chicken.
So aside from orange chicken, most everyone knows that the best part of Chinese take out happens after the meal is through. At this point, it’s time to crack into that little wafer like cookie. You know, the one that’s kind of like those tasteless, almost useless cake ice cream cones. But who cares about the cookie? It’s really about reading that little 2 1/2″ x 1/2″ strip of printed paper with words that either leave us in surprise, stitches, or disbelief (usually at its completely inaccurate yet perfectly random statement about the weather).
Today, here’s what I found in mine:
You find beauty in ordinary things. Do not lose this ability.
All I could think was, “Wow!” (And of course, “I gotta write about this on my blog!” =) ) More than wishful thinking, this fortune actually said something worth listening to.
Sometimes I think God likes to sneak these little surprises in just to see if we’re actually paying attention. This month, this summer, this year, God has been wooing me, calling me, drawing me nearer to Him, and as a result, I’m finding out more about who I am and the person He’s created me to be. And although my default is to be quite content with existence as some shadow of that girl, my heart cries “no” in the face of mediocrity. He’s not willing to let me stop at “just good enough.”
Just a year ago in August, I took a chance on a dream that did not turn out the way I had hoped, but it’s pushed me to think beyond the realm of what I once thought possible and stirred me to consider just how boundless the Father’s good heart really is toward us.
For me, this so-called fortune was really encouragement: Keep going. Keep writing. Keep taking photos. Keep investing in relationships. Keep stretching your creativity. Keep seeking and speaking Truth. Keep trusting Me. Keep pursuing My abundant life for you…
So as the last remnants of my sweet, Chinese pastry melted away in my mouth, I turn my attention back to the project at my desk with the smile that comes after hearing the gentle whispers of the Father. I think I’m ready to tackle the challenges of the afternoon and of the road ahead.
On a side note: I probably should stop eating at that Chinese food place. I feel a little yuck now. 😉
Sheree Black 