Love, Thumbs and Oranges

I recently had some minor hand surgery. The bandage was less obtrusive than the one for my carpal tunnel. I had the use of four fingers but my thumb was completely wrapped.

It’s amazing how many ways you use your thumb.

Opening jars, squeezing the toothpaste tube, zipping anything, and opening the plastic storage bags.

I did as much as I could and would make adjustments as you learn to do. My mom kept asking if I needed help and what she could do for me. I kept her at bay and tried to do everything myself. (Wait…am I stubborn?)

I managed pretty well but, the one thing I just could not do was peel an orange.

My first and only attempt was a complete failure. I couldn’t use the knife properly and then I couldn’t remove the peel and just made things mushy and sticky.

Mom to the rescue. She even put it on a plate for me. Every piece was separated and whole. It was the sweetest orange ever.

I thought about this day in respect to my conversations with the Lord. He is there, waiting to help. I picture Him standing there waiting for me to ask.

But I ignore His presence and ‘power through’. I can handle that relationship, the money problems, the work issues by myself.

And sometimes I do. Until everything becomes ‘mushy and sticky’. Then I cry out in desperation. Help, Lord! Please!

What if I asked Him first? What if I prayed first? Not only in the big things but the little things too. He cares about them all.

Lord, help me with this conversation. Show me how to love people. Reveal truth and help me walk in the confidence of knowing that You are always with me. Give me words to share with others.

He always answers. It’s not always the way I think He will or in the time frame I think He should. But, He’s God and I am not. He is for me. I can trust in Him.

And so can you.