A Little Ink Blot

Some dishes in life are like a kids first conscious taste of liver and onions. Or like a missionary's story I heard 25 years ago. When Marilyn Lazlo's sister visited her in Papua New Guinea, the people of Hauna village treated the sisters to an outing in the forest, complete with lunch gathered during the walk. The main course was white grubs on palm leaves. Marilyn's sister graciously allowed her to eat first. Marilyn quickly prayed, "Lord, I'll eat this all up if You'll keep it all down."

Two of my good friends are facing surgeries this next week. One for a gall bladder removal and one for breast cancer. There is a long history of steps and pains and prayer that has led up to the big event for both of them. And there will be a long road of recovery and change and more prayer to come.

If I had my way, neither event would ever happen to my friends. And yet the hand of God has served these dishes with great tenderness and love. Through the pain and confusion and fear, both of my friends seem to be saying, "Lord, I'll eat this all up if You'll keep it all down."