Organized Chaos

We have entered the canning and preserving season full blast this past week. My counter is organized chaos pretty much every day. On any given day the garden is yielding tomatoes, green beans, bell peppers, banana peppers, jalapenos, sugar snap peas and the melons have finally started to ripen.

I am not sure if anyone else has the problem that I have….I cannot bear to see any of that produce go to waste. I pick it and set about preserving it in some form.  Like I said, my kitchen counter looks like it has no rhyme or reason during this season. (Is anyone hearing the word “disaster” in their heads?) Fortunately, I know where I have put what I need to finish a batch of something.

These last days have been spent making and canning Pizza Sauce, Society Pickles (I have no idea why they were given that name!), and Hot Pepper Jelly.  Some recipes I have used so many times through the years that I have the ingredients memorized.

It is very satisfying to see the filled, canned jars setting on the counter, waiting for that “ping” that tells me the lids are sealing. (In a future post I will  have to get the recipes to you.)

Looking at my counter makes me think, how that counter reflects my life. Many times it looks like chaos. Maybe because when it comes to my life I cannot see the entire plan. I only get to see the part that looks like my messy counter.

I know that God sees that chaos and knows exactly how all that “stuff” fits into my life….and how it will all work out.It makes me grateful that I am not in charge of what happens in my life. I am very sure I would not choose the correct plan but look for an easier, less chaotic way instead.

When I look back at some of those messier times of my life, I realize that in the midst of the mess, it felt like chaos. In looking back I can now see that thread of grace and a glimmer of the plan He has for me.

If you are in the midst of the “mess of life” I am praying calm and peace for you. Rest assured……it will not stay that way forever. Take a deep breath, hold it, and let it slowly out. (Yes for those who have gone to childbirth classes, I realize that sounds really familiar.) You will be amazed what a prayer and a deep breath can do.

May your week be filled with faith and hope…that no matter what…you will make it through. May you soon here that “ping” that tells you things are working out.

 “And me? I’m a mess.
I’m nothing and have nothing:
make something of me.
You can do it; you’ve got what it takes
– but God, don’t put it off.”
Psalm 40:17 the Message