The Pudding's Burned!

2 Corinthians 12:10 – Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV)

Back in the days when pudding wasn't instant — when it was made from scratch by mixing sugar, eggs, milk and/or cream, and flavouring, and we actually cooked it — the words "The pudding's burned!" were a common occurrence.

Contrary to what the unknowing may think, those words were music to our ears, for though not something that would ever be offered to guests, the caramelized concoction of burnt offerings to be scraped from the bottom of the pot was by far the very best part of the pudding.

Who got to lick the spoon and who got to scrape the pot could depend on one's performance in the past week or disposition that day.

It isn't often we run with glee towards something that has seemingly not turned out exactly as we'd planned it. It isn't likely we'll stand in line waiting our turn to greedily grasp at the chance to accept the adversities of life. And yet, it is when we go through life's adversities that we experience some of our deepest insights, achieve some of our greatest learning, meet some of the most wonderful people, explore and strengthen our spiritual bond, find out what really is important and what is the best part of life.

Prayer: We ask, Lord, that you lead us through our adversities. Strengthen our spirits when they are low. Support us when we feel we will fall. Help us feel the warmth of your touch when we feel cold and alone. Brush away our fear and replace it with love. For it is in so doing that we may learn and grow in tolerance, understanding and acceptance. In your name we pray. Amen.