Worms and Oreos

There was a Sunday after Easter, and I was prepared to accept the fact that I have no friends at church, will never make any friends, and then grill myself a nice worms sandwich. But alas, it was not to be. Despite my resolute plans, I found myself extremely encouraged when we met some new people at church for whom I will shortly have to think of monikers.

They met us, rather. It was a good decision on their part. Who knows? Given enough time without varied social interaction I might have eventually snapped and thrown myself at them in a well-meaning but compromising manner. Much like a puppy so eager to make friends it runs up to you hoping you'll be pet him and play with him forever and ever, and then he promptly pees all over himself, causing you to jump out of the way of the rapidly spreading urine pool thereby severely mitigating the chances you'll throw the ball for him for fourteen hours.

I'm sure our new acquaintances had been meaning to talk to the charismatic and unusually good-looking new couple for weeks, but God somehow had them hold off so that just when I was about to take up residence in a corner and revert to thumb sucking, He could remind me that He's on top of the situation. "So, um, you done now? Because I was thinking we'd move forward with my plan now, which, by the way, does not include you being constantly on the verge of a mental breakdown." That's what He does. He cares, and I'm pretty sure often smiles bemusedly while I freak out up until the point He reminds me that he loves me very much and I just look ridiculous when I decide I'm helpless.

So not only does it look like I'll soon be swapping recipes merrily in the kitchen while Husband and husbands of new friends play video games and eat Oreos, but I'm happily reminded of God's love for me, and not only love, but affection. I'm reminded of the hope I have, and that produces joy, and I'm pretty sure that will count for a lot next time I decide I quit being a grown-up and want to pout (preferably with a steady stream of Oreos heading toward my mouth). It's hard to feel so extremely alone when I'm cared for so very much.