54. But That’s Okay

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.”