The “ocean” side of the cake was made with bright blue frosting, sprinkled with gummy fish swimming through the “waves.” It reminded me of the times in life when I feel caught up in the flow of God’s grace, moving freely, carried along by something much bigger than myself. Those are the seasons when faith feels easy, when prayer flows naturally, when I sense God’s nearness, and when I feel like I’m swimming joyfully in His presence.
On the other side of the pan, I crushed graham crackers into soft “sand,” complete with teddy grahams stretched out on rainbow candy towels and bright umbrellas offering shade. That part of the cake spoke to me, too. There are times in life when I need to step out of the waves and rest—times when stillness, patience, and even waiting in God’s presence are more important than motion. Just like those little teddy grahams soaking up the sun, I sometimes need to simply be, letting God refresh me. The umbrellas reminded me of how God covers and protects me in those seasons when the sun of life feels too strong, when challenges threaten to overwhelm. His promises are always my shade.As I decorated, I chuckled at the gummy fish. They made me think of Jesus’ words: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Even something playful like a cake can carry meaning. Just as those little fish swam across the frosting sea, I’m reminded that I’m called to carry God’s joy wherever I go; yes, even to an office party with cake and laughter.
What struck me most as I finished was how God can be found in the simplest things. Who would have thought a cake could carry so many quiet lessons? It reminded me that faith doesn’t have to live only in the pews on Sunday or in the silence of prayer; it’s also in the kitchen as I stir frosting, in the office as I share a laugh with coworkers, and even in the silly creativity of gummy fish and graham cracker sand. God is present everywhere, in the ordinary as much as the extraordinary.
So when Thursday comes and we gather for Summer Palooza, I’ll bring my cake with joy. But more than that, I’ll bring a heart that has been reminded to look for God in every detail - in the waves and in the sand, in work and in play, in laughter and in rest.
Lord, thank You for being present in every part of my life - in the waves that carry me forward, in the sands where I rest, in the shade when life feels heavy, and in the laughter of community. Help me to notice You not only in grand moments of faith, but also in the simple, playful details of everyday life.
May I carry Your joy with me to Summer Palooza and beyond. Amen.