Recipes, Coupons, and Chicken

I gathered all my tools to have at hand nearby: Pen, paper, 100 Best Chicken Recipes book, and coupons that were cut out and organized in a coupon folder. The process seemed simple - to put together a grocery list based upon a planned menu. Julie looks over at me and laughed, "Who is this guy?" It's hard to believe but because of Julie working many hours, I have learned to cut out coupons, purchase the food, and many times plan and make the meals.

The process is simply based upon a perceived plan of what meals we want to eat and then buying the necessary ingredients. This week: Black bean enchilada chicken, Chicken asparagus casserole, Chicken and rice bake, etc. (OK, so we like chicken). As I was reading the list of ingredients I needed I had to run a few things by Julie, "What is cilantro?" and "Do we have any cumin?" She just looks at me and says, "Who is this guy?"

This morning as sat before God in prayer I found myself planning meals again. Coming before God I have already decided what my life should look like. "This are the recipes I think my life should have, God." Then I read the laundry list of necessary ingredients I believe are necessary in order to accomplish those end results. Then because MY recipes seem sort of challenging, I device short cuts to save time and money and pain. So I hand God my coupons to "save" on the possible sacrifices necessary to achieve my plans and goals. "I've got it all worked out God, bless my plan."

God sits there and patiently listens and says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7)

At first His words seemed like the perfect ticket for me to go on planning my life menu...all I have to do is ask and He will make my plans happen. Sounds like the perfect recipe! Then I realize that the asking and seeking He was talking about was not what I thought all along. He was addressing the "meat" of the recipe, the heart, the core of prayer and the foundation of life - seeking after Him. So many days I brought my list of life wants to him - a pastorate, financial security, health, a teaching position - all ingredients in my recipe of life happiness. "If only I had these ingredients, my life would be wonderful..."

Yet alll He wanted was for me to seek Him. "Asking, seeking, and knocking" had to do with seeking God Himself in prayer not MY recipes and MY coupons.

How easily I get sidetracked.

I guess it's time to put my 100 Best Chicken Recipes in his hands and to trust Him with my life. It's time to ask Him for an awareness of His presence and let Him take care of the planning, the recipes, and the coupons. It's time to rest in the Great Chef...after all, God does make great chicken!

Meanwhile Julie is STILL looking at me and saying, "Who IS this guy?"