Have you ever woke up on the wrong side of the Kleenex box?
When things you thought should go a certain way don’t? When you stuck your neck out there and felt like you were sucker punched? When baby spit up and a marker covered wall feel like the least of your worries?
Then you know exactly how I’ve felt from time to time. I’m weepy, grumpy and puffy-eyed beyond make-up.
Usually the therapy starts with caffeine and escalates to chocolate and pretty soon the ice cream tub and spoon are in my hands and I’m watching White Christmas.
Until sometime mid-spoon I realize if I keep this up, I will be able to train with Shamu at Disney World.
Next, comes the sigh that leads me back to the freezer to put back the ice cream and on to my Bible where the day should have started.
Why is it when I wake up on the wrong side of the Kleenex box I look for answers in the things on earth? I am human, despite my kid’s occasional stare that assures me I’m from another planet.
But here is what I usually discover: When I Wake Up On The Wrong Side of The Kleenex Box, God is still God. He is still amazing. He still has a plan for me and my dreams.
I just need to quit working so hard to do it in my own power. I need to quit working so hard to plot all the steps of my life in what I think is the perfect sequence.
Why? Because God is still God. He still knows what is best for me. He still has a plan even for the days when I wake up on the wrong side of the Kleenex box.
Psalm 46:10
New International Version (NIV)
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Thoughts On Plot 
I love this. The Kleenex box was my friend yesterday. I’m RIGHT there with you, Michelle. But we need to rally. And you have by believing it’ll happen in God’s time. No one works harder than you. You have a true gift for writing and mentoring others and God knows that. Don’t stop plotting and plowing ahead. You inspire me!
Thank you for your words of encouragement! I can’t wait to hear the amazing things God has planned for you on your journey!
God whispered in my ear those same words: Be still and know that I am God.
Then these words: For I know that He will work all things to the good of those who love Him and are called by His name.
Two entries. Two different results. One baby was beautiful. One baby was ugly. At least that’s how I perceived the scores and comments. And nobody wants to be told their baby is ugly. But, when the sting goes away, I’ll look at the ugly baby and see if they’re right…or have valid points. But, then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :>)
Good wisdom, Pat! There is always something to be learned from the critique!
Michelle,
That is one of my favorite verses. I speak the scriptures because I know if I don’t stop the negative thoughts swimming in my head, I will end up at the bottom of the pool. I was walking on campus, after a particularly confusing class and I was repeating Daniel 1:4. A girl walked by and have me the weirdest look. Lol!
LOL! Yes, I talk to myself too and boy do people think you’re strange when you are talking to yourself!
Michelle, I think you are so very gifted at encouragement, at pulling out and holding on to spiritual truths and sharing them with the rest of us. I remember conversations with you at ACFW where I honestly felt so…nurtured. You rock!
And so does your writing! And I’m glad you’re holding on to truth during a time of disappointment. One of my favorite verses ever: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
This is one truth that I hear God whisper over and over again: I love you and I am for you.
That’s a fabulous truth, Beth! Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you, Melissa! I absolutely love that verse. It is one of my favorites too. Congratulations on becoming a semi finalist in the Genesis!
Yup! On the wrong side of the Kleenex box this morning. I love how God directed me to this post just when I needed His encouragement via your heart, my friend. Sipping a carmel latte (contemplating chocolate), ready to focus on where I was when I left my quiet time . . . before the wrong side moment invaded my serenity . . . two hours ago when He whispered to my heart that He has a plan and I am in it! No matter how my plot turns.
So glad you were encouraged, Pamela! God does work our future out in ways we could never have choreographed ourselves! Keep believing!
Beautiful post, Michelle. We’ve all been there. In fact, I woke up on the wrong side today, spent a little time in God’s word and was reminded of his promises and my priorities. Thanks for posting!
So glad you were encouraged, Jennifer!
Michelle, thank you for sharing your heart with a dash of humor. Disappointments are a part of the writing life. One thing God has been speaking to me about lately is the fact that He is able. His plans. His timing. He never fails. He is faithful. When He calls us, in this case to write stories, He enables us to write them, and walks beside us during times of disappointment. Praying for you today, my friend, and holding onto truth with you.
Thanks for the encouragement, Jeanne. Today, I’m moving onward with my chin up. Hugs your way!
I love this and you are so right! Why do we look for earthly answers? Thanks for this encouragement.
Glad this encouraged you today!
Isn’t it amazing how many people woke up on the wrong side of the Kleenex box this morning? That’s where I was, and for absolutely no reason. But because God is faithful, I’m crying tears of joy tonight. My daughter got a job after being unemployed for four months, and right when she needed it the most. God is always there! Why do we still sometimes stumble?
Chris, I am so happy to hear your daughter’s story! What an encouragement. I guess it is in our nature to doubt and wonder, But God still loves us anyway…how amazing is that!
I know exactly what you mean. Later I find that God is honing me into an instrument that will bring him glory. That kind of stuff molds us like nothing else. But even knowing that at times…it still hurts.
Well done.
Thanks, Ginger! Congratulations to you!