refined-by-fire

The fires of refinement come with a cost, but also with a promise. His grace has been extended forth to you for restoration, confirmation, strengthening, and being established in Him.

What were you going to make for Christmas dinner?_ one of my older children asked in a very reasonable tone. I cleared my throat, but couldn__ speak. There was no real explanation for my behavior. I__ been so intent on getting through this first Christmas without David. I__ found new rituals to replace the old, wrapped gifts, and even made cutout sugar cookies. I__ modified Christmas in order to endure it. What I hadn__ done was plan on or prepare a Christmas meal. Everyone waslooking at me expectantly by this point, including my sweet, hungrygrandchildren.__ forgot all about Christmas dinner,_ I finally admitted. No one batted an eye.

What were you going to make for Christmas dinner?_ one of myolder children asked in a very reasonable tone. I cleared my throat,but couldn__ speak. There was no real explanation for my behavior. I__ been so intent on getting through this first Christmas without David. I__ found new rituals to replace the old, wrapped gifts, and even made cutout sugar cookies. I__ modified Christmas in order to endure it. What I hadn__ done was plan on or prepare a Christmas meal. Everyone was looking at me expectantly by this point, including my sweet, hungry grandchildren.__ forgot all about Christmas dinner,_ I finally admitted. No one batted an eye.

You have no idea how well you are doing,_ John complimented mejust a few minutes after he mentioned the Christmas card. What did that mean: That I was doing well? That I__ come to a family gathering? That I__ remembered to bring food? That I was dressed, and my hair combed? That I was wearing shoes? I wasn__ sure, but maybe just making an appearance at a family event meant I was handling things well.

Lord, you are God! You made us. Who better to know how to fix us when we've gone wrong? who better to set us to rights again? Who better to love us through the fire and refine us into something beautiful and useful despite our wrongs?