Kathy Collard Miller
Hello there from Kathy Collard Miller in the desert of Southern California near Palm Springs. But don’t worry, it’s a dry heat.
Talking with a women’s ministry director at a conference, I hoped she would invite me to speak at her women’s retreat. As we sat in the lounge of the convention center, I enjoyed one of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies set before us. When she asked my opinion on some important ministry issues, I spoke with forceful and confident tones. I was thrilled to see her staring at my mouth, obviously waiting for every word I said. Surely I was impressing her with my important comments! Surely she would be compelled to invite me to speak at her women’s retreat.
After we concluded, I walked to the restroom, strolling along confidently, knowing the Lord had opened a door for future ministry. Our interaction had been mutually uplifting and my responses thoughtful and commanding.
I walked through the restroom door and saw my reflection in the mirror. What’s that dark thing on my lip? I moved closer and realized chocolate was dripping down my lip and chin, creating a black smear. Oh, no, how long has that been there? Remembering when I’d eaten the cookie, I realized it had decorated my face during most of my conversation with the women’s ministry director. For whatever reason, she had not felt comfortable telling me about it.
Oh, Lord, what have you done to me? What about my pithy statements and wise admonitions? How foolish I must have looked being so intense with chocolate running down my chin. How humiliating!
Never Ever Be The Same by Kathy Collard Miller
In a flash of truth, I recognized my pride and arrogance. And I started laughing. “Oh, Lord, you do have a sense of humor, don’t you? Please forgive me for my pride and self-importance. I fell into that trap again!”
God had accomplished His mission of teaching me more humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” I needed to trust in His ability to open the doors He has for me, not think that I have the power to kick then open.
