yes, there's joy even in the mess

Just last week, I wrote about finding joy everywhere, in everything ...


but yesterday morning it was difficult to find joy in the midst of my chaos and frustration.


Maybe you've had a moment like mine?


... when the pot holder slips and you drop a not-quite-done banana bread, spilling the pan's contents all over the open oven and kitchen floor?


For some reason, it's mistakes while baking that bring out my greatest rage. Throwing pot holders across the kitchen, storming out of the room, and of course some not so nice words that I am almost positive our neighbors could hear loud and clear.


Can there really be joy in moments like these?

In that moment, I was anything but joyful ... and it took me a little while to come around ...

• it took a husband getting on his hands and knees with me to clean up the mess
• it took a lot of multi-surface spray and half a roll of paper towels
• it took finding the right kitchen utensil to get the batter out of each oven crack without burning ourselves
• it took him leaning against the oven when we were done, saying I'm still a good baker
• it took us putting the ruined bread back in the oven and hoping for the best
• it took a stream of silly text messages from mom to make me laugh about it all

... but I guess, in the end, I can see how even the spilled mess of a banana bread can be a gift. As I reflect on yesterday's moments of weakness, I can now thank God for laughter and help in cleaning the chaos.

I can also thank God that I happened to make a double batch, and the other banana bread turned out just fine.