Just a Touch

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, 

to them who are the called according to His purpose.  

For whom He did foreknow, 

He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, 

that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Romans 8:28, 29

In general, I don't like cloves.

I don't like the smell of them or the taste of them.  In fact,  I find them quite bitter.  But when my daughter Emmie makes pumpkin pies (and she makes the best I have ever put in my mouth) she has to add just a touch of cloves with the cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg she uses.  Without that hint of cloves, without that little bite of spice, the pies would not be nearly as good.

In our own lives, the Lord knows sometimes He has to bring or allow things we don't like.  He has to allow things we find uncomfortable, or painful or bitter.  He knows He will work these, along with the pleasant things, for our good and for His purpose.  His purpose is to conform us to the image of His Son.  Sometimes that transformation can only be done with pain.  He allows it, not to hurt us, but to add that touch of bad to bring out the very best in us, to make us the best pie we can possibly be.