Churning

I love butter! Especially on fresh bread. I ordered a butter churner several months ago and marvel at how cream transforms into butter and buttermilk so quickly. But that turbulence is necessary for it to change. I think of my visits to the ocean watching the waves churning sand, seaweed, and wildlife. Storms give freedom to the water, creating breaches in the dunes. Although this is destructive, it is necessary for growth and rebirth of something new and remarkable; something not always visible.

A friend said to me, “If you think God leads you only beside still waters, think again. God will also lead you beside turbulent waters. If you have the courage to enter, you’ll think you’re drowning. But actually, you’re being churned into something new. It’s okay, dive in.” Storms happen. That seems to be the way of the universe, inner and outer. We need to accept them as part of the crossing over to a new season. ~Sue Monk Kidd (When the Heart Waits)

I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. The waters closed in over me; the deep surrounded me; yet you brought up my life from the Pit, O Lord my God. –Jonah 2:2-3;5,6