Hot and Cold Hints

“You’re hot. You’re red hot. Oh now you’re cold…ice-cold…where are those penguins?”
This temperature game was the hint for when we struggled to find Easter eggs in our family. As a kid, sometimes rather clueless, we searched through cupboards and cereal boxes, our parents aided us- “Okay, now you are warm. Warmer…you are burning up.”
I remember gaining confidence. I am ALMOST THERE and then sometimes with a shift in direction I could be back with those penguins.
We just started Lent so Easter Egg hunts are a bit in the future. However, this “hot and cold” game could really help in dating. There are times where the feeling is-- “yep, this is close.” And then a few dates or texts later all indicators point to freezing. The “freezing cold” scenario can be easier to deal with. The first scenario, is when it would be nice to have those“hot and cold” hints. Even with non-negotiables and dating experience –there are enough lukewarms where a temperature gauge would be much appreciated.
Not to play the “parent” metaphor too heavily….but isn’t this where our heavenly Father comes in? Like my parents knowing where the eggs where hidden—doesn’t He just know who is right? Sometimes, in dating, I have a hard time balancing providence versus pursuit. Our God of the Universe, who holds us in his hand, certainly knows who we are supposed to be with. Correct? I’m friends with those who believe God will pretty much deliver a spouse to their doorstep. No judgment there. However, I also know those with the mindset: “You gotta put yourself out there…you won’t meet anyone if you just expect them to come to you.” As a middle-ground-girl, I tend to claim the medium footing here. This morning, I read this great verse from Habakkuk 3:19 and I’d like to reference, it if only because Habakkuk doesn’t seem to get a lot of press.
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”
He is our strength, but at the same time he enables us with the footing to tread and face the heights.
As an adventure seeker, I would rather be out hiking, enjoying life and maybe not even be looking for “the one” but enjoying the journey.
I pray He gives me the footing to take the right steps. As I communicate with him about people and pursuits, I listen for the temperature indicators from the One who knows me best. May we find balance in the providence vs. pursuit and perhaps fight the tendency to scout the backs the cupboards when it's only necessary to pour a bowl of Cheerios.