First Things

A few days ago I decided to do something I had never done before.  A church member had given us some freshly cooked apples and Phyllis had bought a can of instant biscuits. Seeing both ingredients on the counter, my imagination got the best of me. I suddenly saw myself making golden brown fried apple pies. Without a second thought I gathered a deep frying pan, added some cooking oil and began the heating process.  While bringing the oil to the appropriate temperature, I popped open the can, began to roll out the dough and add the tasty apple filling. My vision of grandeur was almost complete; the only thing left—the cooking.  Everything had gone as planned up to that point. I grabbed a couple of the neatly fabricated pies and plopped them into the hot burning pan.  That was my first mistake. Suddenly oil splattered everywhere and within seconds the crust was no longer golden but burnt brown; the problem, a degree miscalculation. The burner was way too hot. Added to the oil splatter on the stove was a nice dusting of self-rising flour.  Needless to say it was a mess.  I retrieved the first two pies and proceeded to drop another batch when in walked Phyllis. She was not a happy camper. All men know that a lady’s kitchen is her private domain. It is not to be invaded and if by chance husbands choose to trespass they are never to break the cardinal rule—it is not to be left in disarray.  Immediately she went into the reaction mode—you have made a mess, look at my stove. Having studied conflict resolution I knew the thing needed to stabilize her emotional surge was a delightful peace offering. She would be the first to try my homemade experiment. She grabbed one broke it into and took a bite.  I waited for her response. “It tastes good with the exception of the crust being a little overcooked and the inside a little doughy.” As I looked sure enough the outside was dark brown but the inside needed more attention. This was not so bad my motives were good but my skills inadequate.  Another member who heard about my effort brought us some pies. They were cooked with expertise and tasted wonderful.  What is the point being made—we try a lot of things for the first time.  We may fall flat on our face but God always appreciates the effort and comes behind us with a beautifully composed plan and gift that is a success.  Do not be afraid to try.  He knows how to take a mess and turn it into a masterpiece. However, in doing so it requires someone who is willing to try some first things!