Journal

Write down how much time you spend watching TV, scrolling on social media, listening to music, etc. then write down how much time you spent reading your Bible or praying. Think about ways you can change this dynamic.

Day 5 – February 19, 2024

The Garrett Mix | 2 Chronicles 15:7

As a child, I enjoyed going to Chicago, IL because I knew we were going to stop by a certain popcorn shop and get what they called, “The Garrett Mix.” The Garret Mix was a combination of sweet caramel popcorn with savory, cheesy popcorn. While I enjoyed it very much, the only problem with the mix is that it was never evenly portioned out. When I reached my hand in the popcorn bag the first time, I wanted a caramel piece, when I reached in a second time, I wanted a cheesy piece, but unfortunately, that is not how it happened. There were many times I kept pulling from the bag and getting the same piece of popcorn, repeatedly and getting frustrated. Every time I went in to eat, I never knew what I was going to get.

Our life is much like the Garrett Mix; we really don’t ever know what we are going to get. Sometimes things are sweet, sometimes things are not. However, we cannot focus too greatly on what we draw from life’s bag or what our lot is for this life. The only thing we can control is how we respond. Just because it seems like we keep reaching into the bag of life and keep drawing things out that we do not want, does not mean that God is through with us.

Our scripture helps us to understand that we must not give up or throw in the towel due to inconvenience or because we feel we have drawn a bad hand. What we must understand is that what you have right now, is not all you will ever have. If my elementary self stopped digging in that popcorn bag every time I encountered a piece of popcorn I didn’t like, then I would have ended up hungry. However, what I learned is that if I keep digging, sooner or later I will get to the pieces that I will enjoy.

Friends of God, no matter what we must deal with in this life, keep drawing, keep digging, and keep working, for sooner or later you will behold goodness in the palms of your hand. Yes, life can be unfair, unpredictable, and inconvenient, but don’t give up now, there is greater later.

Write down the last time you gave up on something you know you were supposed to remain in. Was it worth it? Do you regret it? What would you do differently now?