Grilled Cheese & Tomato Please!

I wanted to run away. But closing my office door to the rest of the world would not be enough. I needed to get away fast!

I escaped to a nearby diner. It’s one of my favorite spots. It’s comfortable and cozy. Just what I was searching for.

Comfort.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted so Bryan, one of the owners, suggested a grilled cheese with tomato. It had been years since I had a grilled cheese sandwich.

My thoughts drifted back to my childhood. I remember unwrapping the single slice of American cheese from its cellophane case. Waiting for that cast iron skillet to get nice and hot with melted butter (well back then it was probably margarine & government cheese). I remember patiently waiting for each side of Wonder Bread to toast to a golden brown. And then - that first bite, my, my, my. Cheese so hot and gooey it burned the roof of my mouth, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying every cheesy bite.

Aw come on now! You know what I’m talking about. You’ve done it. Probably still do

Taking a seat I began to reflect on how my day was going. I wanted to have a good cry. Everyday seemed to be filled with one disappointment after another. I felt angry, helpless and betrayed. I decided to pull out my laptop and do a little web surfing.

There were some fascinating stories of ordinary people living in NYC. One such story told of a woman serving as a missionary in Queens, NY. As I watched and listened the atmosphere began to change. Suddenly there was a sense of calm all around me and soon I could hear the voice of the Lord through these words …

Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.

Micah 6:8 (MSG)

Immediately my perspective changed. I began to meditate on the faithfulness of God and my responsibility to Him. At times I do tend to take things too seriously and if I’m not careful the focus on the negative stuff begins to cloud my thinking.

Realizing that most times I can’t do a thing to change the chaos that may surround me, but certainly God can.
He’s concerned about all the things that matter to me . That includes my hopes, my dreams, my fears and even my frustrations. He’s promised He will never leave me. God can be trusted.

Let me encourage you today. God’s word says that if we put our trust in Him we will never be disappointed. His love is everlasting and He never fails.

Listen, you’re precious to Him and no matter what you may be facing today Jesus is able to give you the grace you need to make it through.

Why not take some time right now and talk to the Lord about your situation? Whatever it is, He’s able to give you wisdom and strength for today’s challenges. That’s what I’m going to do…

…oh, here comes Bryan with my grilled cheese sandwich. Yep, it’s as good as I remembered.