The Exquisite Mrs. Mulligan

 “Listen to the advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:20-21 ESV

I’ve come to learn that God leaves nothing to chance. He has foreordained and decreed every event, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant.

Much of the character that defines me today was formed as I was lifted from the ashes of a scorched childhood and finally reborn. Blessed with many empty spaces, the memories I have no longer held significant sway over me since I have healed many of my wounds. Jesus did it all by walking with me while I processed them, showing me where He was while I suffered through an ordeal. Always in the arms of my Saviour, I learned that they were not that traumatic after all.

Following along with this month’s HEARTstrong theme of mission and purpose, I want to share such a story that I relived just a few short years ago. It’s a story about perspectives: same story – two different viewpoints – the mind of man and the purpose of the Lord.

To set the scene, I need to give some context first. It was 1961. I was 9 years old. I was one of a family of 11, and though I won’t say we were poor, the state of my 4^th and 5^th generation, oft-repaired hand-me-downs, my shoes, my hygiene (neglected), and the false bravado I carried when I compared the haves to the have-nots might have caused many to think otherwise.

The story centers around my Grade 4 teacher – Mrs. Mulligan. First, my story and then the one Jesus tells.

I often began my story by introducing old lady Mulligan, who doted over me far too much, trying to be nice to me, earning me a short-lived reputation of being the teacher’s pet. To counter her efforts, I remained aloof and stand-offish and chose to join my friends to scoff and mock her behind her back. Every chance we got, we snickered at her inability to command respect. It wasn’t wrong. Everyone that I knew felt that she brought it on herself and earned our scorn.

In my story, there was an incident with Mrs. Mulligan that unsettled me and threw me off balance for a bit. It centered around the running shoes I wore to school every day, which, much to my chagrin, had holes in both soles (I didn’t wear socks, so the bottom of my feet always had a mud line that corresponded to the cracks in the shoes.) One of the shoes also had a tear along the side that my foot would slide right out of if I didn’t walk with deliberation. I don’t recall feelings of shame or embarrassment during this time, but I do remember that it was frustrating and awkward – given that it put limits on what I could do as I ran around the playground.

I don’t remember the details of how it all unfolded, but one day, Mrs. Mulligan drove me to a local store after school and bought me a brand-spanking-new pair of white running shoes. Not my cousin’s old ones – brand new! I was delighted.

I would always conclude my story by talking about the shame I felt when I couldn’t maintain the high and honor her for her kindness. Sadly, the value of the gift diminished, and the giver of the gift was forgotten, and it wasn’t long before I rejoined the group of scoffers and returned to my old ways.

Jesus tells the same story but from His perspective. He told me about His Exquisite Daughter, the one I knew as Mrs. Mulligan who loved Him and chose to serve Him by ministering to the poor, lost, and lonely. He told me how she endured my persecution and suffered all the evil I spoke against her in His name, that she might receive His blessings. He told me about the many intercession prayers she raised up for my sake that I might repent and turn from my ways and surrender my heart to the Jesus she knew. And He told me about how she joined the chorus in heaven and raised a hallelujah when I finally said YES in 2002.

Same story – a different perspective. There’s no doubt as to which version of that story is more compelling. For a time, I grieved over my shame in missing the beauty of that period in my life, but grace followed mercy, and the Light that shone in that darkness revealed new joy in the majesty and mystery of His ways. I have prayed often that I might see more of the world through His eyes only.

I have matured in my faith sufficiently to know that He held up His version of that story before me, like a mirror – so that I would catch a reflection of my soul as I pursue my place and position in serving the lost and broken – that I might be more vigilant in sharing the riches of revealed knowledge, wisdom, and truth. The unimaginable love our Lord and Saviour has for each one of us that I might tell others of the only way, the only truth, the only life that leads us to glory.

Many are the thoughts of my defective soul, but there is peace in knowing that it is the purpose of God that will stand. In my flesh, I am weak, but because my eyes have been readjusted to more often see heavenly things, I can better think on what is true, on what is honorable, on whatever is just, on whatever is pure, on whatever is lovely, on whatever is commendable and where there is excellence or things worthy of praise, I strive to remember to acknowledge the presence of the Lord, confident that He has gone before me and prepared the way. It is His purpose that will stand.

There will be a new joy in heaven when I again encounter the spirit of the Exquisite Mrs. Mulligan. I, Rick Green, was her mission as she stood within God’s will and walked out the Gospel. Mission accomplished, Mrs. Mulligan! I give thanks to the Lord that you loved me first.