A Plain, Ordinary Hatbox

"God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform..." These words are from William Cowper and are quoted in the book that I'm reading currently: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers {go get it now!}. This book was a Christmas gift from my sister-in-law {and technically my brother, I guess, though I'm guessing he had very little to do with it} and it is BY FAR my favorite book I've ever read. It's one of those can't-put-it-down types. Without giving too much away, it's set in 1850 in California's gold country. It's a "powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea...a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, and all-consuming love." The reason I love it so much is because it's got that subtle theme {mentioned in previous sentence} throughout the book, but is told as an unexpected love story. It's brought me to tears, if you must know.

My post today comes as a result of one of the chapters that I'm currently reading in the book. I'm going to quote an excerpt from the book {character names are irrelevant} and then continue on with my post. Hang with me.

        

'Susanna put the container on her lap. "This is my God box," she said. "When problems prey on my mind, I write them down, fold them up, and put them through the slot. Once they're inside this box, they're God's problems and not mine." 
Angel laughed. Susanna sat solemnly looking at her, and Angel's mirth died. "You are joking, aren't you?" 
"No I'm quite serious." She rested her hands on the box. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but it works. I'm a fixer, Angel. A worrier. I've never been able to just let things go. I want to play God, if you will." She smiled in self-mockery. "Every time I do, things go awry." She patted the box. "So I have this."
"A simple brown hatbox," Angel said dryly.
"Yes, a plain, ordinary hatbox, but it reminds me to put faith in God and not in myself. The bonus comes when I see my prayers answered." '

As soon as I read those portions of the chapter, my eyes filled with tears. It moved me. Don't ask me why, but it must have been God himself. I am EXACTLY like Susanna. I'm a worrier. I can never just let things go. I want to play God more often than not.

The idea of a worry box, as I'm calling it, is such a simple, but profound idea. Ever since reading about it, I've been compelled to make one and use it. How freeing to be able to place our fears + worries {maybe not literally, but definitely in a physical sense} into the hands of the Father. I'm going to make one tonight. I'm not sure what I'll use as my "plain, ordinary hatbox", but I'll find something practical. I encourage you to do the same. Let's see what God does, shall we?

Also, read the book. You won't be sorry!
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Completely off topic, but I promised I'd share. {Technically, I already shared on Instagram, but for all of you that don't follow me there, this is for you}. Our dining room chairs arrived as promised via e-mail and with 2+ hours of assembly, they are right at home at the dining room table. Only negative so far are the white frames that came preattached to the wooden seat. I'm thinking they need some dark spray paint eventually. What do you think? You like? We certainly do! XO!