Dressed with Purpose

“I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

We took our seats in the concert hall and leafed through the program. This was the last concert of the season and we had enjoyed each one, but tonight’s would be different. A “modern” piece was featured as the symphony closed the season with an eclectic program. I don’t appreciate what I think is dissonance in some modern music, yet I know in the composer’s ears, it is music. Our family is much more into the traditional Bach and Mozart. Nonetheless, we have had some experiences with contemporary music. When our girls’ took piano lessons, each year their teacher had them learn a contemporary piece. Notes that seemed out of tune were almost difficult to play. It was as if the girls naturally wanted to fix the dissonance and make it sound harmonious. Yet learning to play the dissonance was part of their discipline in developing their piano skills, learning about “new” music and becoming musically literate.

The concert and our piano lesson memories remind me a little of dissonance in life: the notes that I think don’t quite fit, that seem out of tune, and hurt my ears. Yet in the Master Composer’s plan, they are intentionally placed, designed and allowed to make music in my life. They’re part of the composition. Whether it’s struggling to meet a budget, not getting a job promotion, meeting with an unforeseen detour in our life, or working through hurts and struggles, the notes in my composition are in the right place. I may cringe, cover my ears, want to step back, or try and fix things on my own, but the notes and rests have been perfectly placed.

Dress Up: Read Romans 8: 28-29. Think back to a situation that didn’t work out the way you had hoped, but you now see was part of a plan and for the best. Commit a situation or struggle you are currently facing to working together for your good. Write out a prayer of confidence. Put it on a 3x5 card and keep it handy as a reminder. Memorize Proverbs 3: 5-6 to encourage you.

Creamy Fruit Salad

When I selected this recipe for March, I thought about the combinations that play out in our life—the mixture that each day brings. Sometimes sweet, sometimes tart, each experience has its purpose.

1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits or chunks

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin orange segments

1 (16 oz.) peach slices

1 apple, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 banana, sliced

1 cup fresh strawberries, cut in slices

1 kiwi, peeled and sliced

Drain canned fruits and place in large bowl. Add fresh fruit.

In another bowl beat together for 2 minutes:

1 (3.4 oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix

1 ½ cups mil

1/3 of a 6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate

Add 3/4 cup sour cream and mix thoroughly. Pour mixture over fruit and stir to gently coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.