Mannaroni and Cheese

During our small group this week, we were talking about our progress with preparations for going to Thailand. We talked about our financial challenges and our looking for work and for housing. We were talking about how we feel like we’re moving, but we’re not always sure it’s forward. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like we’re going anywhere. One of our friends made the comment: “You’re wandering your own wilderness. Macaroni and Cheese is your Manna.” I don’t mind Mac and Cheese, especially if it’s the good stuff. Not a fan of the three-for-a-dollar version. I like it with real grated cheese and little hot dogs chopped up inside. Not so sure I could eat it every day, but it is kind of symbolic.

In a way, we are kind of going through what the Children of Israel went through when they were in their forty year desert time. We know where the destination is, we just can’t seem to get there. We know we’ll get there eventually, but we don’t really know when or how. And sometimes, we’re guilty of doing the same kinds of complaining. “Have you forgotten us, God?” “This isn’t what we had in mind, God.” “I know the perfect solution to this, God.”

I hope God is more patient with us…

It’s hard to keep focused on a promise that doesn’t always seem to be in reach. It’s hard to keep focused on the future when it feels like you can barely get through the here and now. It’s hard to wait for something you feel like you’re ready for. I really can’t find fault with the Israelites for nagging God. Honestly, we’re been doing our own nagging.

Towards the end of their roundabout Palestinian tour, we get a few glimpses of the depth of their frustration. They are so done with wandering. And the people let their anger out pretty dramatically. So does God. It’d be nice if it were gentle reminders that everything is under control, but it’s not. It’s a really irritated parental “quit pestering me!” Again and again. We’re getting the same thing from God; thankfully it’s much gentler. Frequent reminders that we really are heading toward our call - toward our Promised Land - and that God really is going before us.