Steeped

Have you ever let a cup of tea steep for too long? I have. The result is bitter, foul tasting, and altogether unpleasant. I have been thinking recently that life’s difficulties are so numerous that life becomes saturated with them. This season has been yet another time of learning how to take my anxious, sorrow filled heart to the only One who can soothe the ache. From the personal, internal struggles to the many heavy problems my extended family is facing I am learning a new type of surrender. And I find that through this time I have not only been steeping in heartache, but also in peace and joy. I hope the result of my experience is not bitter, foul tasting, and altogether unpleasant but rather, sweet, humble, and ultimately joyful.
How fitting that this is one of my favorite verses:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.


James 1:2-6