The Toilet Seat

We were in the middle of the toilet seat. 

There was snow all around us,

But we were part of the “dry spot,” the “snow hole,” or whatever you want to call it. 

We had nothing. 

It was very disappointing. 

 

Sometimes we are promised things that just don’t happen. 

A raise. 

A promotion. 

A miracle cure. 

A commitment.

A snow storm. 

 

We believe what we are told and 

Get our hopes up with excitement 

Only to be let down. 

 

And then we grieve. 

We let go of what might have been. 

 

And then we wait—

Hoping once again,

But this time for something we don’t know.

 

The waiting is long. 

But the waiting can be active. 

Noticing what good is still around us and 

Creating more goodness with God. 

 

“Something will happen,” I hear Joe the Counselor say. 

 

And eventually something did. 

Snow finally fell. 

A blanket of white covered the earth. 

And school was cancelled as so many had  wished. 

 

But even if a happy ending hadn’t happened.  

Even if the toilet seat had not moved, 

Something good would have eventually come, 

Because God is in the business of making all things—

Even the best intended, broken promises—

Good. 

 

Amen.