Slip-N-Slides in Your Desert

Oh, how a year can change your perspective.

Last September, we deposited our son, Jordan, in his dorm room, and I was one sad mom.

What’s worse, I think he was unhappier than I was. His expression clearly communicated, “What am I doing here? I don’t even want to be here. This is a mistake.”

I would’ve preferred that he couldn’t wait for us to leave. Even though he’s old enough to vote and live with a complete stranger in a tiny, musty dorm room, when your child feels insecure, your heart aches.

Throughout the year, Jordan grew more and more acclimated to campus life.

In May, he returned home, and thus we began a wonderful summer with him and his laundry. Before I knew it, it was time to make the second deposit.

Imagine my surprise when I received his first email this year:

Probably one of the best weekends ever. We set up a slip-n-slide, and at first, it was us and another guy, and it was starting to get lame even though it was fun. Then groups of people started showing up, and eventually, we had over 50 people slipping and sliding. We also had at least another 30 people actually sitting and watching, like it was a performance. So that went great. Me and Drew were kind of dubbed the most welcoming room and the room with the best chemistry between the two roommates. It's a lot of fun living with him. We will probably be hosting a lot of movie nights. Classes are okay so far.

I’d say he feels pretty good about being there now, wouldn’t you?

As seasons come and go, there are moments when we think, “How did I get here? I don’t want to be here!”

When we’re lonely, it’s important to remember that scripture is full of promises that the Lord never abandons us. For instance, Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

When we’re dreading job interviews, root canals or new school years, we need to remember that prayer can change things, working out kinks in the circumstances or in us. We can end up not merely enduring but rejoicing, like my son did.

In fact, God loves catching us off-guard, turning our expectations upside down:

“Do not remember past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look. I am about to do something new … I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

God cares about what you’re going through. He can make a way in your wilderness, and if he chooses, instead of a river, he can put a slip-n-slide in the middle of your desert--because he knows exactly what you need.

Whatever your trouble is, pray, and then watch with expectant eyes: He is about to do something new!


Questions

1. What burdensome circumstance will you trust God for today?
2. Do you have a personal story about a time God put a stream or Slip-N-Slide in your spiritual/emotional desert?



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