Toast

I like toast. This morning I put two slices of bread in the toaster, one of them was the heel, that was a bonus. I like the heel of the loaf. I was looking forward to a golden brown crunchy buttery goodness with my morning coffee. We have a good toaster too. The temperature buttons work correctly, even on the bagel settings. I still like to watch it toast and take it out just a little early. I can smell when it’s ready. Can you tell? I like toast.

This morning though I got distracted for just a few seconds. I honestly do not remember what it was. Might have got a text. Maybe the dog wanted some attention. Could have been deer in the back yard. The toaster sits right by the kitchen window. And so just as I am returning to the toast in the toaster I hear it pop up. Oh no, I was distracted too long. Sure enough it was burnt. Instantly everything I had anticipated was gone. No golden crispy crunchy buttery goodness. No dipping the corner in coffee, like my Dad used to do. Now it was black charred smelly. Even the heal was blackened on both sides.

Sometimes, what we expect in this life, what we anticipate, doesn’t exactly go the way we envisioned it. The examples are myriad. You don’t get the job. The paycheck wasn’t as big. No one remembered your birthday. And so on. Our responses or reactions are usually typical. We feel hurt, or angry, or complain, or worry, or grouse to anyone who will listen. We bluster, or blame…maybe even God.

There is another option. The Apostle Paul proclaims it to us in Philippians 4.11, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” What a great possibility. Paul knew that God was able in all circumstances to provide. Paul knew that God was completely aware of all circumstances. Paul knew that God cared and would procure for him exactly what God knew he needed. Paul knew that nothing he experienced was outside the actions and will of God. In that kind of contentment the details of the circumstances do not change. The hardship often remains. The response / reaction however, definitely changes. No longer are we grumpy, or complaining, or blustering, or hurt, or angry. Now we are content and that can be learned.

Beloved, I learned long ago how to like burnt toast. Yummy!!! (seriously I am not just saying that I like burnt toast)