A fairly Fraggle frazzle

Remember the Fraggles of Fraggle Rock? They lived in an underground cave. Their recreation was working and their work was playing. I feel like we've had a Fraggle week.

We got home last evening after 4 days in Eastern Washington. "I'd love to live here," W said after we spent our first day with pastors and church leaders.

We taught, learned, and listened to stories of grace and God's favor. We shared our excitement and hopes, scheduled future services, and exchanged possibilities for partnership over lunches and suppers. We pulled our bikes out of the car to cycle a bike trail along the river.

I came home 3 lbs heavier and full of things to pray about. I'm amazed at how God works in each town and city. I'm blown away by the creative ideas of engagement and ministry, too.

In the process of speeding up our move, we hired help. And had our first awful "oops!" A misunderstanding in communication, W's teaching schedule (out of touch for a key conversation), and the resulting snap decisions have resulted in a terrible room layout. We could tear the whole thing out and redo it ... but in allocating resources and time, we've decided to live with it. Before it's done, we're already unhappy with it. It works, but barely. And our space is no longer compliant for full disability access. Ugh.

I feel like a Fraggle: our work felt like play, with wonderful connections this week; but our play (lightening the load by shifting it elsewhere) has tired us out.

"We'll have an extra picture wall," I tell myself, looking at the wall that rises to the ceiling where a seat was planned. "A place to hang art!" When I wake at night, trying to shift my thinking past the misdirection, I can't quite make it work yet. But I'm hopeful. We do have a lot of art.

What ways have you changed your outlook to embrace a mistake as something positive?

Read more:
*With your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it -- as it is today. 1 Kings 8:24 NIV

*But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things
will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NLT

*Paul said, "We bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus." Acts 12:32-33 NEV

Moravian Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your great faithfulness and for always fulfilling your promises to us. Give us the patience to wait for your timing in all things and the gift of faith to keep us eagerly waiting. Amen.