What We Need When We Are a Hot Mess

I was amused when one of my friends said “I’m a hot mess” – which meant not only is she dealing with the symptoms of “the change of life”, but she was also loaded up with so much to do and feeling so inadequate at the things she was doing.

Speaking of a “hot mess”, my car thermometer indicated 108 degrees outside yesterday. This comes after a long stretch without rain and several consecutive days in the lower hundreds. The heat interrupted our plans (my grandchildren and I) to go to Six Flags Over Texas. Instead, we went to Chuck-E-Cheese and to see a movie – all indoor comfort!

We complain about how hot we get by just going to our air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned building. A quick walk to our mailbox is no problem as long as we don’t stop to talk to a friend there. Fortunately, we have an “inside” to retreat to. While my sprinkler system repair man was showing me the areas that needed to be repaired, in a matter of just a few minutes, I was dehydrated and sweating.

In the midst of our world-class whining, we might consider how blessed we are in our “conditioned” comfort – especially as we develop a fresh awareness and compassion for those who live without the many comforts and conveniences we enjoy. Far too many of our brothers and sisters live without air-conditioning in summer and heat in winter, let alone a home to call their own. I may sweat through every item of clothing I own, but I will not die.

My wealth extends far beyond my material possessions and everyday comforts, but too often I forget -- especially when struggles or challenges come; when I experience a few body aches and don’t get enough sleep at night, when folks around me are having a meltdown, and, most of all, when there are future unknowns that cause me to sweat with anxiety and concern, I know I have forgotten God’s presence that is my shelter or shade even in the middle of scorching heat. I may sweat, but I won’t burn.

“Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything, the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.” Isaiah 4:5

God is our shelter, our shade in the heat and covering in the storm, but nowhere are we promised we’ll escape the heat and rain. God’s presence with us doesn’t mean He’ll spare us every inconvenience and struggle, every pain and discomfort. Instead, His nearness means we have somewhere to retreat and rest and hide, even when life's "stuff" comes our way.

Like a mountain that cannot be moved, God’s presence is steadfast. That means you and I can either set our focus on the temperature gauge or learn to lean into the One who offers His shade. By the way, I just checked the weather. Turns out it’s going to be even hotter tomorrow. But tomorrow is too far away to make worry worth the effort. Today has enough to handle. And besides, God’s presence is my shelter, His glory is my canopy. In spite of the heat, I’ll be okay. He is with me. Whether I’m a hot sweaty mess or not. You too, friend. You, too.