Shaking It Out

When I was a little girl, my parents took me to Knotts Berry Farm in California. The one activity I remember from that visit was "panning for gold". Using a sifter, we scooped out some of the dirt and sediment from the bottom of a water trough-type contraption and gently shook it around to allow the water and dirt to sift out. If lucky, a few flecks of gold dust would remain in the sifter and could be taken home as a souvenir.

Earlier today, I watched an episode of "How It's Made" and saw a segment on cranberries. Before the berries can be processed, they are shaken and allowed to dry and then additional sugar is added to end up with the dried cranberries that are so sweet and delicious.

So it is with God's Hand in our lives. Sometimes, He has to shake us up a bit, sift us to ready us for His plan in our lives. We wouldn't be prepared for that mission without the shaking and sifting of events in our lives. But we sure don't enjoy going through the process. I'm trying to remember the sweet deliciousness of dried cranberries or the preciousness of gold when God shakes me up and makes my life uncomfortable for a time. Only with the rough times will we truly appreciate and recognize God's blessings in our lives. And I do thank Him for those blessings, His provision and answered prayer.