Damaged Goods...a fairy tale...

Once upon a time in a land not unlike the one we know now, there lived a very beautiful princess. This princess had quite a bit going for her--smarts, beauty, great family, etc. She had the type of life others wanted, but few knew of her midnight terror...

One day she went to the King after having a sleepless evening dealing with a night terror and said, "While there are many to choose from, I am tired of kissing frogs, Master. I realize I do not have to be in the state I am in and have vowed to be a little more picky with the frogs that come my way. Because if I am going to kiss them, it better be worth it...tired of settling...frustrated with projects."

"All this time I have been seeking You to teach me the way to do this thing right we call 'living'. You've modeled and revealed it to me. It is in the conversations I have with you regularly. It is my dependency, persistence and expectancy that will bring me through this."

The King looked at her and replied, "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. My daughter, while you may be feeling frustrated that your time has not come, I can assure you that your diligence and faithfulness will soon bring to you the desires of your heart. Thank you for bringing your cares and worries to me. Just know it is never my intention for you to hurt or desire to give up."

The princess wept at his feet and he asked, "Why do you weep?"

She answered, "Because I am damaged goods. That is why I am in the state I am in..."

The King wrapped his arms around her to provide comfort, put her chin within the palm of his hand to slightly lift her head in order to have their eyes meet. "So I say to you: 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."

This is how the story will end for tonight, but do not think it tragic. The beauty of this piece is the PEACE that came on an early day in September 2009. A promise, or covenant, of understanding established that something good is coming. The truth of the matter is the answer to HOW MUCH MORE is MORE THAN ENOUGH. And, because of who He is there will be no letting down with the final product.

Damaged Goods is simply an oxymoron, and I will leave you with a lesson in paradoxes: "God often digs wells of joy with the spade of sorrow."