Lately I am involved in helping create a hugemongous tree for an upcoming play.

This last Friday some friends and I spent wrapping strategically set tomato cages in newspaper and tape…preparing them for the next step of paper mache. Carefully we laid pieces down because they were just too big…and weren’t secure in their spot, stretching ourselves to reach every spot…being so gentle as to not put a hole through the thin paper and have to start over.

Then the process of paper mache began. With our arms in a 5 gallon bucket after the liquid was mixed, we dunked pieces of newspaper deep within this adhesive and then out, slopping goop everywhere…wiping our hands on our pants and shirts…..as we stepped through puddles of goop. It was one big mess!! It seemed like forever getting things cleaned up and ready for the Sunday Service….

But the following day, phase one of this project looked really cool up on stage…and people were so excited and curious as to what was going on.

In the same way…..we are like this tree. God is preparing us for something spectacular!

I know He’s had to bend me and move me in ways I didn’t want to go….if only I was an inanimate object, then it would be easier on Him! But I believe there are times…more than not….to where my pride is more hugemongous than this tree. Yet nothing is impossible for God…He’s right there reaching and stretching so to cover a multitude of sin…..

Christ isn’t afraid to get dirty….to step in all the stuff that goes in and what must come out….He is eagerly awaiting the final outcome with great anticipation as He marvels at each step of our lives. And when life punches a hole in His project….He dips His hands in the goop and repairs….letting things dry before the next step....