Guacamole…

My daughter won a guacamole contest today for some extra credit in her Geometry class. Only in Texas would extra credit be given for bringing guacamole for a contest in Geometry. Needless to say, I have been basking in the light of our culinary win today. Who wouldn’t be, right? My daughter told me that her Geometry teacher shared the “winning” guacamole with other teachers and it was a smash hit! Sweet approval of our expertise with avocados. Praise you Jesus! Maybe I should open a guacamole shop. I am sure that folks will travel from far and wide to dip a chip in our winning guacamole, I can just see the line waiting outside for our guacamole shop to open each day.

It’s funny how success and approval can take you right out of a slump. It can put a little pep in your step, make you stand a little taller and give you a little more confidence. And before you know it, you have convinced yourself that you truly are the best, cue the music, “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer.

But, let’s get back to reality for just a second. Because right after receiving word about our winning guacamole, I tried on a bathing suit that I ordered and my confidence plummeted. That confident grin was replaced with a grimace and negative self talk. Surely guacamole played a role in the way that bathing suit looked on my body. The dreams of a guacamole store gone in a flash. I mean who would buy guacamole from me? Why did I have to taste so much of that winning recipe last night? I need to just stay away from chips and guacamole for the rest of my life.

You see, that is what happens when we allow the world to be our compass. Our emotions are based on the moment, ebbing and flowing with our wins, losses, thoughts or even that image in the mirror. And we know that often none of those things are even grounded in truth. The only defense we have against the world tossing us around, moment to moment, is to build our success and approval on the solid ground of who we are in Christ Jesus. Not a guacamole contest. Not a bathing suit. His Presence and Truth in our lives helps us take the wins and losses in stride. He allows us to have confidence because in having Him, we truly have it all. The final victory has been won and we are on the winning team!

Now somebody please cue the music, “U Can’t Touch This” and hand me some of that winning guacamole!

Be joyful!

“God, the one and only–I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, and Impregnable castle: I’m set free for life.” Psalm 62:1