Back in Jacó there was a question asked over dinner that stuck with me. If your time here in Jacó was a pastry, what pastry would it be and why? Everyone gave their answers. I didn’t have anything in mind until I got up and went to the refrigerator for something. When I touched the door it was magical and I got a vision of this:
It’s like a friend and I walked into a pastry shop in a foreign country. We are excited to be somewhere new and we are snack hungry. I look at the shop’s menu and everything is in a language I can’t read or speak. However, behind the counter is a screen with slowly flashing pictures of what they have. I walk up to the cashier in perfect timing of this three layer chocolate cake on the screen. I point and say, “I want the chocolate ganache cake.” I pay and go sit down with my friend. We talk and laugh, 15 minutes go by and the waiter comes out and serves me this pastry that is NOT what I ordered. No chocolate, no ganache, no cake. It’s some flaky strawberry scone of some sort. I’m not exactly happy with it, but I’m too stubborn to tell the waiter this isn’t what I ordered. I take a bite and it’s not too bad. The strawberry is sweet and there is lemon icing on it. It’s rich in taste, and the fresh berries on top are great.
I understood this vision to have a bigger meaning for me than just for my time in Jacó, but for my time on the world race. The world race is like this scenario. It’s not what I expected. It’s not the chocolate ganache or the delicious chocolate cake. My expectations of what I was getting is not what I received. Which is 100% okay! I’m learning about myself and the way I function. I thought I would take this trip and be great at it, but I’m not. I’m pushed to my limits and growing in other areas. Living in community is different and can be challenging, but I love it. It brings me closer to Christ and the way He lived. I’m not doing all the things I thought I would be but I’m doing the things Christ is allowing me: what is just right for me at this time. And it is ever so delicious and just what I needed.
What a wonderful analogy! It’s almost always true that God surprises us by not fulfilling our personal plans, but His plan is richer & deeper than we ever dreamed of. I’m so happy for you!!
Thank you Patty!! It is so sweet!
Loved reading this Jenna!!
He is using you and giving what you need in this season. THIS season!! Not for later, ene
You are loved and seen!
“My expectation is not what I expected,” I know the Lord has so MUCH for you Jenna! I love watching from afar and praying for you!
THIS IS SO STINKING SWEEEEEEEETTTT JENNNNAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! I love it!!
Thank you Sylvia! He is so much better than what I could plan for my own life.
Thanks Rocky! He knew I needed you! I don’t want you to go but He knows best.
Talk about unexpected taste! I love you too! We have a whole extra month together! Yay for Georgia!
Thank you Kathy! Can’t wait to see you this debrief!
AAAARRRRRIIIIII, you’re sweet! Thank you. I’ll be praying for you and your squad!
What a sweet post. (No pun intended.) I love what you said and an impressed with your growth with Christ leading the way. Stay on the race…..great things happen with perseverance.
YES! I am so glad to be on this race with you! God has given you a voice, sight, and wisdom. I see as you operate, speak, and move in obedience. Yes girl! I feel you on new unexpected tastes and experiences. God is so cool! Love you!