Something’s Cooking in the Kitchen!

You know how when you walk into someone’s home and they’ve been cooking something like a pie, or cookies, or bread? There’s an amazing rush of blood to my nose, and my olfactory glands start cheering like they’re at a Justin Bieber concert. My heart starts pounding a little faster. Something good is coming my way, my stomach screams. And if the chef is someone who loves me, like say, my mother, the chances are that the special something I’m smelling has been prepared with me and my joy in mind. This is how I’m feeling about the new year. I can’t quite tell what’s in the oven, but it sure smells good. Mmmmm…

Honestly, it smells like hope.

And for me, that hope is based in the belief that God has my life completely under control and is working behind-the-scenes to bring about situations and opportunities that are specifically for my joy and ultimately, for God’s glory.

That’s so cool and I can clearly see it has already been happening. Actually most everyday it happens for me. Whether it’s some great time with a friend, an unexpected email, or an encouraging word from someone who didn’t have to deliver it.

Sometimes I wonder, am I just looking for these moments of joy, and so I, in effect, “bring them into existence”? Or is there really something going on here that is being orchestrated beyond my understanding. I can’t answer that. Except that when my mom cooks something I love, I know it’s because she cares about me deeply and wants to make me very happy. And right now, I’m feeling very loved by all that’s happening.

Something smells really good. And I can’t wait to see what’s cooking.