She worked calmly, placing each fragile piece in its place. Each chocolate covered piece was a work of art. Something in my soul could have watched that process for hours and reflect on how chocolate crafting could apply to real life.
There is some sense and order to even the broke shards and finely crushed sprinkles scattered on top.
There is something sweet that comes through being melted and processed.
There is beauty that arises to meet our eyes as we behold the finished product.
There is an intimate connection between the creator and the created.
Hurry isn't part of the process.
Soft, gentle caressing and time are key elements that lead to success.
There are some similarities between chocolate and people, aren't there?
Most of us don't cope well with Mount Saint Helen's speed of change.
Most of us respond well to gentle soul steering and lots of patience.
There is something intimate about being under the hand of a shaping God.
We hope there is some sense and use for the broken shards, the ugly pieces.
Another thread wove itself into my mind as I reflected on the surroundings of the shop. The exquisite offerings, the extravagant collections, the expensive price tags juxtaposed themselves against the recent conversations about Poverty, Malnourishment, Aids, and other forms of brokenness. Tears welled up as I remember those who aren't fortunate enough to have a Master chef with a chocolate buffet in their region. They are too poor to even know about such delicacies, much less afford them. A wide range of feelings rose up as I contemplated the other people who were milling around in the store. A sense of pity rises that they haven't had the chances to see cast-off lepers under a bridge, refugees whose dreams and wishes have been washed away, little children living in a garbage dump, or experienced playing soccer with the street children. A wave of anger rises as I realize some of them don't care.
You can walk away... until the broken have a name, and have captivated your heart.
You can smile, buy another coffee, and chatter away politely and pretend this disparity doesn't impact you deeply.
Or you can smile through tears as you recognize and embrace this clashing story line of life.
This conflicting reality of life stirs deeply. As we reflect on it, we journey {struggle, wrestle, plod, grapple} through the facts. Conflict is a good thing when we can see it as a catalyst to change. Iron sharpens iron. Without intense pain, diamonds and so much beauty wouldn't exist.
God has such an amazing way of bringing redemption by conflict. Sometimes it sets the stage for His amazing gift of grace. Sometimes it heals right in the middle of the wounding. Sometimes the struggle just brings a sense of knowing He is with us. Regardless of how it happens, we are shown more of His glory.
