The chapter that jumped out to me this time so far is where she has to go through the Desert of Despair. It seems to contradict everything the Shepherd has told her about going to the High Places. She actually has to turn away from the High Places, where she desperately longs to go. The Shepherd lovingly goes WITH her and shows her many things in a dark pyramid. There is the threshing floor on the first floor. Then they travel up stairs to the second floor, which has a Potter at a spinning wheel. Finally they go to the third floor, where there is a fiery furnace. Rocks go in, and beautiful gems come out. Each of those had a beautiful lesson...but that is not what struck me so much.
It was what happened after.
Much-Afraid was walking around the tent area in the evening, when she happened upon a pipe that carried water. At the water-spicket, there was just a little drop coming out every so often. She looked down, and there was a single, beautiful, golden flower catching each drop. It was the only one she had seen. Much-Afraid stoops down and questions the flower, asking it's name.
It's reply? "I am Acceptance-with-Joy."
Hmm. Okay, Lord. Be it unto me, according to Your will. May i be Your servant, Acceptance-with-Joy.
Things happen. Life is lived in this world that seems to be spiraling out of control. We are all dealt tough blows. We can Accept them with JOY, as the best means for our growth from our Loving, ALL-Sovereign God, or we can fight against them, and HIM, and walk this world tired and weary.
Behold, Your servant, Acceptance-with-Joy.
