Little Black Sock

I am that little black sock.

Like every weekend at this time of year, I had big plans for this past Saturday. I was supposed to attend a training in the morning, followed by working out at the gym, then going on a walk with some friends, all before spending 90 minutes with my Love to accomplish a project. All of this was supposed to take place on the day after prom at the high school where I work… and after the extremely busy week that I had, keeping me out late every single night. I was exhausted on Saturday morning and my body was caving under the pain of the week. Six days of intense workout sessions, 14,000+ steps [per day] recorded, and intentionally walking at least 3 miles each day. On Saturday, my body could not move. My neck was in pain, my legs were sore, and even my eyelids cowered at the thought of work. Try as I may, my body screamed for rest… and I almost ignored it.

Yet as the plans for the day continued to fall apart for one reason or another, my Love recommended that I take the day to just rest. If not for the powerful magnetism that my bed had over me, I would have resisted, but my body was weak so I just slept. When I finally did wake up, I started doing laundry because even in my pain, I knew that work had to be done. I admit that I am weird, choosing to always do my sheets first, followed by black clothes, then colored, then towels/rags, saving whites for the last load. In my mind, if I forget to wash something, I have at least three other opportunities to wash it before the whites get washed. Fast forward to the end of my day. I was grabbing the white load of clothes from the washer machine when I noticed something that did not belong. Right there in the midst of the white load of clothes that had been washed with A LOT of bleach, was a black sock that although clean, had been unharmed by the bleachy water. I saw the sock and rejoiced, realizing that I was this little black sock- tossed and turned by the world around me, but unharmed because of the God within me.

Beloved, I really wish that I could offer you a guarantee that nothing undesirable will ever happen to you and that your life will be perfect. I really could say that… but we both know that it would be a lie. Yet what I can promise you is that God will always be by your side through it all.

Now hear me clearly; what I am not trying to do is over-spiritualize everything that happens in my life. But what I am saying is that I intently and intentionally look for God’s hand in every area of my life. I was not always like this, but I do appreciate this gift now. And in that moment when I was doing laundry, I truly felt seen and protected by our Lord God. What a beautiful feeling!

As you go through your day, I encourage you to be extra vigilant and recognize God’s hand in your life. Maybe it’s a BIG thing, like being spared from a car accident. Or maybe it’s a “little” thing, like a black sock not being bleached when accidentally washed with white clothes. Whatever it may be, rejoice and praise God because He is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5).

Be blessed.