Last week, Greg and I took a two-day holiday in the camper
and drove three hours to the tiny arts community of Rosebud to take in a live
theatre production. As I always do now, I had asked the Lord as I packed
exactly what supplements I needed to take along to continue my healing journey
and to settle any symptoms that might arise. He said there were just a couple
of things I would need, along with my masala tea.
Generally, “masala” is an Indian word for spice blend; tea masala specifically
is a mix you put in your tea. The spices are packed with various kinds of
antioxidants, all of which neutralize toxins in the bloodstream. Since I began
drinking it a year ago, I don’t think I’ve missed a day. First thing in the
morning, with honey and organic cream, it is an absolute delight, and it
quickly dispels the uncomfortable symptoms I still often wake up with. It has
greatly reduced my need for detox supplements.
That first morning of our little holiday, I woke up in the early chill with a headache. Masala tea would straighten it right out. I got up, put on the
kettle, and got out my little bag of teas and accessories. What a shock I got
when I found that I had forgotten to put in my tiny jar of masala. The first
emotion was fear: What will happen without an antidote to neutralize the
continual stream of toxins? The second emotion was frustration: We finally have
a chance to get away together and I’m going to spend the whole time feeling
horrible.
From the first moments of realization of my oversight and the accompanying
negative emotions, I could hear God trying to get through: “I am still here. I
can help you. I AM what you need.”
It couldn’t be that easy. I had some heavy emotions that wanted my full
attention. I felt completely entangled in their grip. I didn’t even know if I
wanted to get free. The nebulous fear was shaping into an anxious self-concern; the frustration was growing into anger. Still God was trying to gently draw me: “Turn to ME.”
With my will, I determinedly rose above my mind and emotions. I willed my body
to kneel on the cold floor, and I put my face in my hands on the bench in front
of me. I began to whisper to Jesus. “Help me, Lord. Help me, Lord.” Slowly the
grace of God began to trickle into me, and slowly the fear and frustration
seeped out. It was like a spiritual transfusion. I stayed there whispering
quietly until I found myself strengthened by sustenance from another realm.
In due course, we arrived at the gourmet luncheon that preceded the afternoon
show. It was a wonderful time, and I was free to enjoy it because I was trusting God. The emcee mentioned in his greeting that they
had a new coffee bar that the audience might want to check out after the show,
and of course that was Greg’s first priority once the curtain calls were done.
I asked one of the girls behind the counter if they had any chai tea, and if
so, were the ingredients listed? What we call chai tea in this country is
basically a masala tea. But all too often, the contents are adulterated with “natural
flavours.” Sure enough, that’s what I found when I read the package.
“Thanks anyway,” I said to the girl, explaining why it wouldn’t work for me.
“I think we have a few bags from some other brands somewhere,” she said. She
went off to look. Meanwhile I retreated to a side counter to get out of the
way. A staff member had left a notebook lying there, and I was so struck with
the meme on the cover that I snapped a photo.
“Things are going exactly as I planned ...” (my words: “I’d thought I had
everything organized”)
“but not really ...” (my words: “but things had gone sideways”)
“but that’s okay” (my words: “God, however, had not been caught off-guard”)
The girl came back and handed me two different teas. The first one had a
typical line-up of spices and then the almost inevitable “natural flavours.” No
big surprise. Pure teas are now few and far between.
I checked the other, the “Tazo” brand: “black teas, ginger, cinnamon, black
pepper, cardamom, cloves, star anise.” All “organically grown.” And no “natural”
flavours added. I was exceedingly blessed by the kind provision of God.
The girl
sold me two tea bags, and I slipped out to our camper nearby on the street. I
brewed up one bag, adding honey and organic cream. The other bag would be most
welcome tomorrow morning.
Things are going exactly as I planned
(But not really)
(But that’s okay)
It’s “okay” because, as the poet Browning said, “God’s in His heaven; all’s
right with the world.” Or as Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble
[anything from a relatively minor inconvenience to a life-and-death situation],
but cheer up; don’t be afraid, for I have overcome the world. Therefore you can
overcome the world as well, if you stick close to Me and do what I say.”
