Recently, while struggling through a time of intense sorrow in my life, I found myself becoming angry. Oh, not at any particular person, and certainly not at God, but just angry at life in general.. For days I had cried until I felt drained of all strength.
My eyes felt like old parchment, and my heart, well it was broken inot a million pieces, each one jagged and piercing. Why did this have to happen to us, to our family… And why now? We had all been so happy and contented and then suddenly, without warning, death reached in and snatched one away, leaving us with a terrible void in our lives. Although I trusted the Lord implicitly, I still didn’t understand, and I told Him so.
Then one day I had an experience that seemed to explain things and bring me a measure of peace about it all.
I was about to prepare a meal, and I have always been one to use a lot of different spices. Something about them just seems to add the right touch to enhance the flavor of any dish.. Often, when I am asked for a recipe, I answer, “It’s the spice that makes the difference!”
This day, as always, I reached up to my cabinet of spices and was startled to see that the names of all of them had been changed! Instead of cinnamon, oregano, cloves and garlic, I read Peace, Suffering, Joy and Sorrow! The illusion lasted only a moment and as I wondered at what I had seen, that familiar still small Voice that I knew so well began to minister to me.
“Beloved, behold the Seasonings of Life. Every life has a recipe, each one different and unique in its texture and flavor, but all made with the same basic ingredients. I sprinkle each one with a measure of laughter and sorrow, tears and joy, at My own discretion. How bland life would be if there were no laughter in it, how dry and parched it would be if there were no tears. You question the great sorrow I have allowed to come to you, but beloved, how can joy and happiness taste sweet unless the bitter taste of disappointment has been experienced? Know ye not by now, that I never take something away that I don’t give something in return? Cease to question the spices that I send to season your life. Instead, trust Me to send just the right combination to create a sweet savor for My own pleasure. I love you and am working all things for your good. Trust Me!”
With these words a tremendous burden was lifted from my heart, my tears began to dry and I could smile again. Now, whenever I find myself facing a struggle I am reminded of the Spices of Life, and I thank God for the beautiful life He has given me. After all, “it’s the spice that makes the difference…†and He knows just exactly what I need!
