Call me crazy, but I LOVE the movie and I LOVE her. I mean, seriously. She is the best nanny in the world.
I finally, finally, finally got the four year old to sit down and watch it with me a couple of weeks ago. and he's officially obsessed. He will now watch it whenever I let him turn on the television. Sometimes, he just wants me to fast forward so he can watch all of the music and dancing scenes. He loves it. I love it.
Today, as I watched little man laugh and move to Mary's catchy songs, I couldn't help but think about what she was teaching the children. I watched Mary, moving dramatically around the nursery, snapping and singing about the "fun" to be found in cleaning. I can hear Julie Andrew's voice now, happily lilting along. "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down... ". It's in this scene that she lovingly teaches Michael and Jane that it takes just a little bit of sweetness in life to make the hard stuff a bit easier.
I have watched this classic film over and over again. But today, I'll admit, I was slightly skeptical.
I've had my own medicine to swallow this week. Medicine that I know is for my good, but it doesn't mean I like taking it. There are times when I feel like Jesus hands me the meds and says, "Here. Take this." and bam. I'm suddenly choking on it.
I found myself asking today: "God, where's my spoonful of sugar? Can't you just make this easier?"
As a little girl, I remember going to my friend Marie's house for a sleepover and I got sick. Her momma crushed up child's pain reliever on a teaspoon, then completely covered it in honey. It made the most awful, disgusting powder seem tolerable. Yummy, even. Back then I didn't mind medicine that much. at least not when I got to have it that way.
So, today, I found myself searching high and low. Surely there is something to make this all go down easier. Isn't there anything to help the bitter after-taste? Where can I find the spoonful of goodness to help me take my medicine?
As the kids went down for naps, I grabbed a Bible and went outside on the porch.
... and I found everything I needed to ease the icky taste in my mouth.
I can meditate on these things:
Jesus will never leave me or forsake me. Joshua 1:5 tells me so.
Jesus died on the cross suffering every pain and every tragedy in my place. Isaiah 53:4-6 tells me so.
Jesus understands my circumstances. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells me so.
... and it doesn't stop there. I can keep resting and leaning into more beautiful promises from His Word.
The promise that He will give strength and grace when I need it. Psalm 18:1-3.
The promise that above all others, He is in control. Psalm 147:4-5.
The promise that He loves me wildly and deeply. Zephaniah 3:17.
Oh, how I need to remember these refreshing truths in every season of my life! But how sweet they are to rest in during trial or hardship. His sweetness breaks through any and all bitterness.
His name is like honey on my lips. Taste and see that He is good.
When I am frustrated over circumstances beyond my control... Jesus, You are good.
If illness and tragedy crosses my path... Jesus, You are good.
In the middle of conflict... Jesus, You are good.
When I am absolutely, undeniably afraid... Jesus, You are good.
In the midst of big transitions and sudden loss... Jesus, You are good.
If it's time to make a hard decision... Jesus, You are good.
Jesus, You are good. All of my life. In every season.
He is always enough.
"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord." Psalm 104:33-34.
Hugs,
Lyss
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