ACCEPTANCE WITH JOY

Have you ever read Hinds Feet on High Places? It is a wonderful little allegorical novel. The heroine, Much Afraid, is on a journey to the High Places and the Good Shepherd gives her two traveling companions, Sorrow and Suffering.

Sound familiar?

As we travel through this life in order to reach the High Places, it seems we have those same traveling companions doesn’t it? As I read this book, I was struck by the simple truths and wisdom Hannah Hurnard imparted in this story. My favorite being the little flower in the desert. Much Afraid came upon a golden flower that grew under an old pipe where an occasional drop of water fell to the dry sand. The flower’s name was Acceptance with Joy and it held its face expectantly for that life-giving drop. The flower was thankful for what it got, it was brave, and kept the attitude of hope. It didn’t curse its circumstances, wither, and die.

There are times we all go through desert times. During these times we need to hold our heads up, be thankful for all we have (including the occasional drop of water), stay brave and keep the faith.

Over the years I have experienced an extended desert experience in one aspect of my life. I’ve cursed my situation, wept bitter tears, even waved my fist at God. Thank goodness He is patient with me. Today, more than ever, I’ve learned to turn my face up to Him, be brave, keep the faith, and trust Him, even if I only get a drop of encouragement at a time.

Something I do to help me with my perspective is to keep a gratitude list made up of all the things in my life now that I would hate to lose—like bathing in hot, drinking-quality water. Something that many on this planet can not even imagine. I find that I have much to be thankful for even though everything in my life isn’t the way I want it.

What about you? If you find yourself in a desert time of life, don’t despair. Life up your head, be brave, and keep the faith.