Glass Slippers & Full Cups

…my cup runneth over Psalm 23:5

Do you remember that part in the Cinderella story when all the ladies in the kingdom were trying to squish their foot into the glass slipper?  Most of the ladies just didn’t give up, they tried again and again to make it fit.  No matter the angle, no mater the force, there was just more foot than shoe.   I remember as a little girl yelling at the book; “Stop, you’re gonna break Cinderella’s slipper, it’s not for you!”  It took the perfect foot, and when that foot was found, in one gentle, motion everything fell in place.  This weekend I discovered glass slippers and God’s love had more in common than I realized.

As I type this, I’m sitting in a hotel room outside Baltimore Maryland.  I was scheduled to be gone less than 48 hours but due to some crazy Michigan weather, I had to leave 24 hours early to beat one storm and I’m staying 24 hours longer because of another one.  God is so funny, because this extra time with lots of peace, quiet and no distractions (not to mention a hotel lobby with perpetual hot coffee) is exactly what was needed to make the glass slipper fit. 

A week ago I was beginning to feel frazzled about too many tasks and assignments and wondering how I was going to fit them all in.  On Wednesday morning I was sitting in my prayer chair and I reminded God I promised I’d do anything he asked as long as he gave me the words and the energy.  I pointed out that I needed a little help making it all fit.  I very distinctly remember saying the words, “Lord, I don’t know how this is all going to fit but I trust you to show me.”  and then with a little Irish SASS, I added, “And you should probably get right on that cause I’m starting to wilt a little and the deadlines are closin in!”  A few hours later, I got a text from Delta airlines encouraging me to fly to Maryland Thursday instead of Friday.  Since the fine folks at St. Peter the Apostle parish had planned a conference for about 100 people, they needed the speaker to be there, so I left a day early.  Friday was a great work day, no laundry, no distractions; it was great but there was still much on the list.  Saturday was a fabulous day, I spent the day with a room full of people who prayed hard and laughed easy.  I went to offer them something but they lifted and filled my heart so much that I truly received more than I gave!  My cup was overflowing!

As I tried to head home on Sunday, the ice got in the way and I found myself once again in a cozy hotel room with peace, quiet and lots of time to work.  By the time I hit the pillow tonight that task list is just a sliver of stuff and that feels amazing!  When I look backwards a few days, I see that scene from Cinderella and me trying to jam and cram and push.  Today I realize God showed up in a grand fashion and just slid the slipper right on!  He gave me a gift, a chance to focus and do the work he asked me to do.  He also sprinkled that work time with lovely people who were funny, faithful, inspiring and genuine.  So if you hear a clicking sound, it’s just me walking around in my glass slippers in Maryland carrying my full cup.

A Seed To Plant:  Do you doubt that God can do a might work in your life?  Give him a chance, call it out and specifically ask him to guide you through that tough spot.​

Blessings on your day!