Tale from a Shade-Loving Comfort Queen

 If you ever see me in a shady parking spot going a little Pentecostal, just move along and mind your business.

In Texas, you know you’re smiled on by God if you land that coveted shaded parking spot at H-E-B. What a blessing it is to return to your car and not feel your flesh melt off your bones like the normal hot-car-in-July experience.

When I book a campsite, I always hope for shade. In the summer, I seek it out and pray for a cool breeze like my life depends on it. Shade makes all the difference between a sweat-a-thon and a beautiful day. For me, it’s agony versus ecstasy.

I’ll admit it. I’m a comfort queen.

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Shade in the Bible

Shade is often mentioned in Scripture. But in biblical times, it was more than just comfort. It was life itself. In a hot, dry land, survival could depend on finding shade.

Last year, I attended a Bible study on Jonah by Sandra L. Richter, and I learned so much more about that familiar story. When I think of shade, Jonah’s story always comes to mind.

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Jonah and His Shade

Jonah was not an allegory nor an ordinary prophet. Other than the Old Testament book of Jonah, he’s mentioned in 2 Kings, reinforcing the fact that Jonah was a real man, a big-deal prophet—not an allegory. He was part of Israel’s theocracy.

The Assyrians of Nineveh, on the other hand, were known for their depravity and violence. Archaeologists have even uncovered carvings showing enemies impaled like shish-kabobs. These were the very people Jonah was sent to.

After his famous ocean ordeal, Jonah finally obeyed God and preached repentance to the Ninevites. Then he built himself a shelter in the shade, waiting and watching—hoping they would get what they deserved.

Even after his near-death experience inside what was probably a sperm whale, Jonah still clung to his self-righteous attitude. He wanted justice for Nineveh, not mercy. In his eyes, they didn’t deserve forgiveness.

But God had a different plan. He sent Jonah a “gift”: a fat worm to destroy his shady box seat. Once again, God reminded Jonah who was in control.

And yes—the Ninevites repented. They were saved. Much to Jonah’s disappointment.

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The Lesson of Shade

God used shade—and the lack of it—as a lesson.

And isn’t it interesting that we see a kind forgiving God reach out to Gentile pagans here in the Old Testament book of Jonah? So maybe next time I find that perfect shady parking spot or campsite, I’ll remember the One who created it. And in those times when there is no shade, I’ll remember something far greater:

And I’m not in control—God is.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my shelter and shade in every season. Remind me that comfort comes and goes, but Your mercy never fails. Help me to trust Your control, even when I don’t get what I want. And may I always rejoice when Your grace reaches others—just as it reached me.

Amen.

Three Truths

Being a socially awkward, opinionated introvert that loves to talk has its drawbacks.  For example, if I know someone is 100% wrong, I will tell them in no uncertain terms that this is so, where someone who is not socially stunted would just let it go.  On my own power this is impossible for me.  Realizing this leads to many hours of regret, shame and frustration.  

Recently I  brought my shame, over analyzing, and lamenting to God.  He didn’t make me feel better...immediately.  I had to continue to go through the motions while in mental distress and depression.  Later in my day I was confronted with three truths that I believe God placed before me in the perfect order.  

The first truth was that shame is “me” focused while repentance is “God” focused.  I needed to wrench my vision away from how my sin affected my relationships with other people and realize how it affected my relationship with God.  That was the offense. I failed to listen to the Holy Spirit.  However this revelation still didn’t calm my mind.  It kept spinning thinking I would never get it right and this was all futile, feeling like for every step God took me forward, I made two steps back.  Frustration with my frailty was taking over my mind.  

This is when I heard the second truth. While absentmindedly listening to the radio preacher I heard him say that worry was a sin for Christians because it is saying all God’s promises and love are a lie.  In no uncertain terms, I am conveying to others and God and that God is a liar when I worry.   At this point I was convicted.  I was worrying and calling God a liar.  I asked Him to once again forgive me but got no relief from my gut wrenching turmoil, still feeling like a total screwup.

The radio sermon was followed by a promotion for a book that was titled, It’s OK Not to Be OK by Sheila Walsh. This simple title hit my heart.  I realized that I am a cracked jar of clay and that is ok.  It is the human condition and why I must rely on God. Immediately relief flooded my troubled mind.  I didn’t even have to read the book (but I will). My loving Father sent me exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it.  He is so good to me.