“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So, for Christ’s sake, I will delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 (edit mine)

The ambiance in the house, being rather sour, sent me into ‘fix-it’ mode. That is what I do. So combining sour with the hour, which was dinner time, I suggested we Goldwing it to a burger joint up the road. I had some coupons! Mr. Sour, though uninvited, decided to ride shotgun!

It was hot and muggy, so the ride was not pleasant. The chain restaurant was about half full, which was good, since I had mentally added a couple stops afterward to drag out my ‘fix-it’ plan. We ordered our food and began the wait when Mr. Sour decided to join us. After a look, a stare, then an eyeball-roll, IT TOOK 45 MINUTES to get our burger! From a BURGER JOINT! The ambiance of the diner only added to the misery on our faces.

Jerry Reed, famous Country Western philosopher, said in a song, “He who expects nothin’… ain’t gonna be deceived!” Looking back at our experience, I can agree. Apparently I must have had some high expectations! So I lowered them and went to the local home supply store. While there, my wife sat in a plastic molded rocker… “Ohh this is comfortable!” Since it was $25 and we had saved $ at the diner, I said, “I’ll buy it for you!” Her response? “Nah…its ugly!”

When Mr. Sour shows up to any trick or treat party, he brings masks for everybody! I have found that it takes a LOT of work to refuse the gift! Strength brings strength. Sour brings sour. That is just the way it is. BUT GOD…!!! Jesus says that HE is to be placed in charge of EVERY situation. Since I am His, I get the privilege of placing HIS Joy above Mr. Sour’s mask. It is His high expectation that I am to forsake the world’s ‘diner mode’ for HIS Heavenly Ambiance. No tricks allowed!

I have learned that God did not invent Mr. Sour. Neither does He randomly throw him into my life. Mr. Sour is not God’s handiwork. I am! Mr. Sour does not CREATE my mood, he simply reveals it. Being God’s child requires constant readjustment to HIS strength and joy… not my own! I simply have to face it. While I may sometimes join Mr. Sour at his party… Mr. Sour is ALWAYS ugly!