My close friend Han sent me this word today. It is probably THE most helpful thing I could have read today. I think it may also have some resonance for you.

Part of what she wrote follows:

“After we got back home yesterday I thought it an opportune time to pull out fridge out and clear out under and behind it (a job I’d been meaning to do for ages). As I pulled it out it was worse than I’d thought. Spills underneath that had gone mouldy, old cereal boxes that had fallen behind and a good few years worth of dust and grime. As I cleared it I was praying for you and the rubbish you are going through at the moment.

As I wiped and scrubbed, a pristine floor appeared. The fridge and the grime had actually protected it. Although it was a hidden piece of floor, it was now the nicest most perfect bit in the kitchen.

After I finished the job I went back into the kitchen and saw what I thought was a key on the floor. It was the same as the one you wear round your neck. Knowing we don’t have a key like that I looked more closely and realised that some of the dust and grime had gathered and made the shape of a key.

Really felt it was a picture for you. You are the floor. Not forgotten, but covered at present in yukky grime and weight. Though it’s tough and feels horrid it is keeping you pristine. The grime also holds a key for something unseen at the moment.

This period is temporary. Your life is not rubbish. The stuff on it is rubbish. But the rubbish has a purpose and holds good too.

You are not done with. This is not the finish line. This is merely one lap of a very long race. Once the grime has gone there is SO much more.”

Praise God for those precious words and I pray they are a deep encouragement to you too, in whatever you face.